Ukraine targets Crimea: New long-range missile strategy unveiled
Ukraine has been intensively attacking Crimea in recent weeks, and the Russians themselves admit it. Experts point out that Ukraine is adopting a new strategy. Using American long-range ATACMS missiles, they are dismantling Russian air defences to create safe air corridors for F-16 aircraft.
The Russians acknowledge that Ukrainian attacks on Crimea have intensified. According to Ukrainian data, about fifteen S-300 and S-400 air defence systems were damaged in Crimea between mid-April and mid-June.
Experts highlight that Ukraine is adopting a new strategy. Using American long-range ATACMS missiles, they are dismantling Russian air defences. This campaign aims to create safe air corridors for F-16 aircraft, estimates Philip O'Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St Andrews in Edinburgh.
"Additionally, blocking the narrow logistical routes connecting Crimea with Russia will cut off the peninsula's occupying soldiers from logistics," writes the French newspaper "Le Monde" in its analysis of the frontline situation.
Long-range weapons intended for use on Ukrainian territory
As Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder recently said, the US position on the use of long-range weapons in attacks on the Russian Federation remains unchanged. "Our policy is that the long-range weapons we provide to Ukraine are intended for use on sovereign Ukrainian territory," he stated.
In response to a clarifying question about whether this applies to occupied Crimea, Ryder reiterated that the peninsula is part of Ukraine.
