Attacks on Russian beaches could continue until the end of the resort season, military expert Andrey Marochko believes. He said Ukrainian forces have begun using unmanned boats against civilians because their ability to deploy such craft against the Russian fleet is currently limited.

Marochko linked the growing number of such attacks to the situation along the line of contact. In his assessment, the more difficult the position of the Armed Forces of Ukraine becomes, the more actively Ukrainian troops resort to terrorist tactics.

He noted that tourists have continued traveling to Crimea despite the threats. Against that backdrop, attacks have also affected Russia’s southern regions, including Krasnodar Territory and the peninsula itself.

According to Marochko, Ukraine had not previously used unmanned boats against civilians. He argued that with fewer opportunities to employ them against the Russian fleet, the craft are now being directed at civilian targets and that such attacks are likely to continue while the resort season is underway.

The expert described intimidation as the main purpose of strikes on beaches, saying they are intended to discourage Russians from traveling to Crimea. He also linked the attacks to an attempt to damage the region’s economy.

Marochko said Crimea is entirely dependent on tourism and argued that Kiev is therefore seeking to financially drain the peninsula by targeting the holiday season.