The Russians are noticeably increasing security measures in Crimea - they fear for their rear - ISW

Attacks on military and transport infrastructure sow panic and undermine confidence in the security of their rear. This was reported at the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).

ISW reported that the attack on Belbek in Crimea was unsuccessful, but sowed panic among the Russians.

Available data from open sources indicate that Ukrainian forces did not carry out a successful kinetic attack on either the Stary Oskol air base in Belgorod or the Belbek air base in Crimea on August 18, the ISW noted.

ISW noted that there was no visual evidence of damage to the Belbek airbase as of August 19.

In particular, geolocation footage does not show explosions or evidence of kinetic activity near the Belbek airbase on the night of August 18-19, ISW reports.

Experts emphasize that the footage allegedly showing an explosion is incorrectly associated with the Belbek air base.

These false and exaggerated reports were mainly spread by Russian sources. This indicates an increase in panic among Russians.

The Institute for the Study of War reported that the Russians are intensifying checks, setting up checkpoints in the occupied Crimea.

The Russian authorities set up roadblocks in Sevastopol to search Ukrainian cars and identify saboteurs, experts noted.

Based on this, the ISW concluded that the occupying authorities were concerned about possible strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on the rear.