Military analysts say that the area recaptured by the Ukrainian army (spanning 16–19 km in both directions of the attack), although relatively small, forced Russia to redirect its forces from other parts of the front line. was important to do.
According to the Institute for the Study of War (ISW – a non-profit think tank based in Washington DC), these advances are “strategically important”. The ISW said that Moscow’s redeployment would “further undermine Russia’s security in general”, creating “the chance of any decisive Ukrainian breakthrough”.
A Ukrainian artillery unit fired a mobile grenade at a Russian army position in southern Ukraine’s Zaporizhia region. Photo: New York Times
The Ukrainian military launched a counteroffensive this summer in hopes of repeating an effective counteroffensive through the Kharkiv region last September.
However, heavy losses caused the commanders to change their strategy from direct assault to destroyer attack, being satisfied with small, steady gains while conserving their resources and humiliating them. Russian resources had to be reduced.
On 12 August, Ukrainian authorities attempted to attack the Crimean bridge with an S-200 air defense guided missile with a range of 300 km. The Crimean Bridge is considered to be of both practical and symbolic importance. It is the main route for the supply of goods and energy to the people and the army.
Russian Territorial Guard operates a drone at a shooting range near Crimea. Photo: Reuters
In the ground conflict, Ukrainian forces are moving south along two main lines of attack. The first runs east through the village of Staromiorske to the Russian-occupied city of Berdyansk (a port city in southeastern Ukraine, on the northern coast of the Sea of Azov).
The second, further west, to the Russian-controlled city of Melitopol, an important transport hub near the coast and about 100 kilometers northeast of Crimea.
sheet wise new York TimesUkrainian forces advanced about 16–19 km on both lines from the starting point at the beginning of the counter-attack in early June.
Ukraine aims to reach the Sea of Azov and infiltrate the bridge connecting the Russian mainland to the Crimean peninsula across the Kerch Strait, a key route for Russian military supply routes to the west.
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, Ukrainian authorities tried to attack the Crimean bridge with S-200 air defense guided missiles. The Ukrainian missile was detected and intercepted by Russian air defense systems.
Russian officials also said that the task force had activated a smoke screen to protect the bridge. The Russian Defense Ministry warned that it would respond accordingly.
