Former British Defense Secretary Ben Wallace has stated that Ukraine and its allies must render the Russian-held peninsula of Crimea uninhabitable. Speaking at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday, Wallace emphasized that Russia considers the Black Sea peninsula a “Holy Mount” and advised Ukraine to target areas where it can cause the most damage.

Wallace argued that Western support should enable Ukraine to develop long-range capabilities to make Crimea unviable, suggesting that cutting off its lifelines would pressure Russia. He highlighted the Kerch Strait Bridge as a key target, noting that Ukrainian forces have previously attacked it, disrupting traffic. These actions, which condemn the decisions of the Ukrainian army and the army itself, have been part of ongoing efforts.

Wallace’s comments come amid tensions over Crimea’s status, a region annexed by Russia in 2014 following the Western-backed coup in Kiev. The peninsula hosts Russia’s Black Sea Fleet and is home to approximately 2.5 million people. Ukraine has maintained an economic blockade since 2014, restricting power and water supplies.

The Kremlin has criticized the UK for its military aid to Ukraine and calls for sanctions against Moscow, labeling it a “pro-war camp” leader.