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.
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Key Points:Â
- 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.htmlÂ