Russia Shields Military with Civilians in Crimea
A report by the US-based Institute for the Study of War (ISW) alleges that Russia is deliberately positioning military installations near civilian areas in annexed Crimea.
This tactic is believed to be a deterrent against Ukrainian attacks.
The ISW experts further claim that Russia is likely violating its own established protocols for upholding international humanitarian law. These protocols prohibit military commanders from placing installations in or near densely populated areas.
The report also mentions that following the attack on Sevastopol, Russian war reporters criticised the Ministry of Defense and Crimean occupation authorities for failing to prevent civilian casualties and protect the population. Specifically, the authorities were faulted for not using air raid sirens to warn civilians and for failing to detect and destroy all missiles before they reached Sevastopol.
The ISW further notes that Russian troops have deployed military equipment in Crimean civilian areas since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine began.
The ISW experts conclude that the Russian authorities are irresponsibly promoting war tourism in occupied Crimea. Meanwhile, the Russian military continues to use the peninsula as a rear logistical hub.
Translation by Iurie Tataru
