American missiles empower Ukrainian strikes on Crimean targets
As reported by "The New York Times", American missiles will enable Ukraine to strike targets anywhere in 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 in terms of losses. Control over it in this war is crucial.
Crimea is an extremely important location strategically regarding the Black Sea. It is considered the "soft underbelly" that Russia has sought to secure through unlawful means. The Crimean Peninsula was annexed in 2014 through armed occupation and the subsequent conduct of a sham referendum.
Since then, the Kremlin has considered Crimea part of the Russian state. It is currently an important base for Putin's forces. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky declares, however, that his troops aim to reclaim all the lands seized by Putin - including Crimea.
War in Ukraine: breakthrough in the fight for Crimea
Experts are rather sceptical about Kyiv's ability to regain control of the lost peninsula. Ukraine currently lacks the necessary forces to retake Crimea. The army is engaged along a front line that stretches approximately 1,000 kilometres. Russia continues to hold the initiative - a situation that has persisted for several months.
However, "The New York Times" has published an article suggesting that new opportunities are opening up for Ukraine in the fight for the peninsula. Thanks to US support in the form of missile deliveries, Kyiv can strike any part of Crimea.
There is no indication that this will drastically change the situation on the front. Nonetheless, the ability to launch ATACMS missiles will create strategic dilemmas for the Russians regarding the deployment of air defence systems to protect military and critical infrastructure. The Ukrainian president hopes that not only Crimea but also mainland Russia will be targeted for attacks using American missiles. This will greatly complicate the logistics for Russian forces at the front line.
After receiving ATACMS missiles, the Ukrainian military reportedly destroyed around 15 Russian long-range air defence systems in Crimea. They also damaged radar installations, electronic warfare equipment, logistical routes, and airfields. The Russians were so enraged that they wagged their fingers at the Americans.
This reportedly led to the introduction of heightened alert status at European American bases in case of Russian sabotage.
