Ukrainian special operations commandos have been executing swift attacks on Russian positions in Crimea as part of a larger campaign to degrade Russian forces and demoralize the public. These raids, combined with drone and missile strikes, have led to noticeable impacts on Russian defenses, infrastructure, and public morale.
Key Points:
- Ukrainian commandos, members of G.U.R., Ukraine’s military intelligence service, successfully executed a nighttime assault on Russian positions in Crimea, which was described as their “most difficult operation yet.”
- Ukrainian forces have been launching successful attacks on Russian assets in Crimea since midsummer, disabling Russian air-defense systems and damaging naval repair yards. As a consequence, Russia has shifted several warships, possibly due to security concerns.
- The introduction of the ATACMS long-range missiles from the U.S. to Ukraine may intensify these attacks, suggesting a dynamic and deep strike battle in the region.
- The Ukrainian military’s long-term aim is to regain control of Crimea, which Russia’s president, Vladimir V. Putin, considers crucial to Russian operations in southern Ukraine and has vowed to keep.
- Attacks on Crimea have had significant effects on the Russian public, leading to a decline in the number of Russian tourists visiting Crimea and causing property prices to drop significantly.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2023/10/22/world/europe/ukraine-commandos-russia-crimea.html
