Russia began withdrawing aviation from Crimea and strengthening air defense. Business Insider writes about this, citing a secret NATO report.

So, the Russian military has already sent ten fighters from Crimea back to Russian territory. Among them are six Su-35S and four MiG-31BM interceptors. At the same time, according to NATO intelligence, "Belbek" near Sevastopol is still the most important airfield in Russia, which provides air support in southern Ukraine and over the Black Sea. There are still about 32 fighters there: Su-27 and several Su-35S and MiG-31BM.

In addition, Russia has increased the number of its tactical surface-to-air missiles in Crimea. It is assumed that they will also fight Ukrainian drones.

Russia's actions are the consequences of several attacks on military facilities in Crimea, allegedly carried out by Ukrainian partisans and the Armed Forces of Ukraine. So, on August 20 in Sevastopol, a drone attacked the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet. The same thing happened on July 31, Navy Day. Then, as a result of the operation of the drone, six people were injured, and all festive events were canceled in the city.