Citing Ukrainian intelligence, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Russia had begun pulling air defense systems from other regions and from occupied Ukrainian territory to reinforce the defense of Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, which links Crimea to Russia, Interfax-Ukraine reported on June 24. The Russian move follows an intensifying Ukrainian long-range strike campaign that hit air defense assets, ammunition depots and energy infrastructure in western Russia.

The Kremlin appears to be prioritizing the defense of Moscow and the land bridge to Crimea over broader territorial coverage, including by pulling air defense systems directly from the active frontline. Ukrainian forces have intensified strikes on Russian air defense assets in Crimea in recent weeks, while also targeting power infrastructure, contributing to the reported strain on Russian defensive systems.