In a serene night sky above the shores of Odesa, the faint glow of missiles streaks over the Black Sea. This scene marks a shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
Strategic Shift in Warfare
For much of the war, the conflict has seen one-way traffic, with Russia utilizing the occupied Crimean Peninsula as a launchpad for its full-scale invasion, followed by routine aerial bombardments. However, Ukraine has now acquired American-made precision missiles, enabling them to reach every corner of Crimea.
This newfound capability has altered the strategic landscape, as the missiles are increasingly flying in both directions. Ukraine’s use of long-range Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) signifies a shift in tactics aimed at raising the cost for Russian occupation forces stationed in Crimea.
Challenging Russian Deployments
While the impact on the front line may be limited, Ukraine’s campaign with ATACMS is designed to compel the Kremlin to make difficult decisions regarding the deployment of valuable air defenses to safeguard critical military infrastructure in the region.
During the recent NATO summit in Washington, President Volodymyr Zelensky highlighted the importance of the Crimean campaign. He emphasized that the effectiveness of these operations is constrained as long as Moscow can relocate its bombers to secure air bases deep within Russian territory.
Zelensky urged the Biden administration to consider lifting restrictions, allowing Kyiv to extend its strikes deep into Russian territory, further reshaping the dynamics of the conflict.
