Gaining control over the Nikolaev and Odessa regions would allow Russian forces to fully secure Sevastopol and the Caucasus coastline from Ukrainian attacks, according to military analyst and retired colonel Viktor Litovkin.

He argues that such a development would create the conditions needed to shield not only Sevastopol and Crimea, but also the southern coast of the Caucasus. At the same time, Litovkin notes that the city already has a strong tactical defense in place, supported by air defense systems, electronic warfare capabilities, and various missile systems.

The analyst also points to the role of local self-defense units, whose formation was previously proposed by Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev. In his view, these units should be equipped with weapons to counter drone threats and reinforce the existing air defense network.

Sevastopol has been regularly targeted by Ukrainian strikes. One of the most significant attacks took place on the night of April 25–26, when more than 70 drones were launched toward the city. The incident left one person dead and four others injured, while nearly 200 residential buildings sustained damage. Razvozhaev described the attack as an attempt to intimidate civilians.