The R-280 highway, connecting Rostov-on-Don with the occupied Melitopol, Mariupol, and Crimea, has turned into a "road of death." This route, which Russian occupiers call "Novorossiya," was the main land artery for supplying the Russian army, allowing them to bypass the vulnerable Kerch Bridge. However, in recent months, Ukrainian forces have effectively blocked this path using drones that hunt enemy columns around the clock.
Logistical Collapse and Strike Statistics
The situation on the highway intensified from the end of May: civilian traffic there has practically ceased, and dozens of burned Russian trucks and fuel tankers line the road. Commander of the Unmanned Systems Forces Robert Brovdy reported that over the last two weeks, the volume of military transport along this route has decreased by 71%.
The effectiveness of Ukrainian tactics has been acknowledged by the American Institute for the Study of War (ISW). Analysts noted that the actions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces (AFU) seriously limit Russia's ability to supply its groupings in the south. The blockade of enemy logistics is taking place as part of a "medium-range strike" campaign at a distance of 20 to 200 kilometers from the front. For this, Ukrainian units use the latest technologies to deliver precision strikes on moving targets.
Consequences for Occupiers: Shortages and Bridge Destruction
The result of these actions has already been a recorded fuel shortage in occupied Crimea. Furthermore, this week Russians were forced to suspend traffic across the important Chongar Bridge. Previously, this bridge, connecting Crimea with the mainland, was completely destroyed after a series of Ukrainian drone strikes.
The situation is worsening on other fronts as well. On the morning of June 10, in the Kherson region, occupiers were forced to close the bridge between Heniichesk and the Arabat Spit. This is already the second important crossing where traffic has been stopped in recent days following the loss of the Chongar Bridge.
"Logistical Blockade" Strategy
According to The Guardian, Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov previously stated that Kyiv's strategic goal is to create a complete "logistical blockade" for the Russian army. This strategy demonstrates high effectiveness: in May, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that the number of long-range strikes by Ukrainian forces on enemy facilities and logistics had quadrupled compared to the beginning of the year.