Russia-Ukraine war live: Germany says Ukraine’s future membership of EU is necessary consequence of war
GuardianSep 01, 2023
The Facts
Ukraine has recaptured four strategically important oil and gas drilling platforms located between Crimea and Odesa in the northwestern Black Sea, the country's Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) announced on Monday.
The GUR stated that Ukrainian special forces had retaken the drilling platforms, collectively known as the "Boyko Towers," in a "unique operation." Russia had previously seized the Towers in 2015, a year after annexing Crimea.
The Spin
Pro-Ukraine narrative
This well-executed operation wasn't just unique, but had extremely significant consequences for Ukraine. These platforms control valuable hydrocarbon resources and can be used as forward deployment bases, helipads, and potential sites for long-range missile systems.
Pro-Russia narrative
In a late-August attempt to shuttle Ukrainian forces in positions near Crimea, Russia's Black Sea Fleet destroyed four high-speed military boats and killed as many as 50 men. Ukraine's claims that it recaptured Black Sea drilling platforms from Russia are fabricated.
