American missiles boost Ukraine's reach in strategic Crimea battle
As reported by "The New York Times," American missiles will allow Ukraine to strike targets in every corner of Crimea. The American newspaper believes this could be a "new strategic impetus" in the war with Russia, although experts have long written off the peninsula. Control over it in this war is crucial.
Crimea is an extremely important place from a strategic point of view when it comes to the Black Sea. It is the so-called soft underbelly that Russia has decided to secure in an unlawful manner. The Crimean peninsula was annexed in 2014 as a result of an armed takeover and then a sham referendum.
Since then, the Kremlin has considered Crimea as part of the Russian state. It is now an important base for Putin's forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, however, declares that his soldiers want to reclaim all the lands seized by Putin - including Crimea.
War in Ukraine: Breakthrough in the fight for Crimea
Experts are rather skeptical about Kyiv's ability to regain control of the lost peninsula. Ukraine does not have sufficient forces at this moment in the war to retake Crimea. The army is engaged on a front line that is 620 miles long. Russia still holds the initiative - this situation has continued for several months.
"The New York Times" published an article indicating that new opportunities are opening up for Ukraine in the fight for the peninsula. Thanks to US support in missile supplies, Kyiv can strike every corner of Crimea. "This is a new strategic impetus," writes the NYT, since Kyiv is trying to raise the costs for Russian occupying forces, which have long used the peninsula as an operational base.
Nothing indicates that this will drastically change the situation on the front. However, the possibility of ATACMS missile strikes will create strategic dilemmas for the Russians regarding air defence deployments to protect military and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian president hopes that not only Crimea but also the proper territory of Russia can be targeted with the help of American missiles. This will significantly complicate the logistics for the Russian forces along the front line.
After obtaining ATACMS missiles, the Ukrainian military reportedly destroyed 15 Russian long-range air defence systems in Crimea. Radar installations, electronic warfare equipment, logistical routes, and airports were also damaged. The Russians were so furious that they wagged a finger at the Americans.
This reportedly prompted an increased state of readiness in American bases in Europe in case of Russian sabotage.
