BILD analyst Julian Röpke, reviewing the events surrounding the explosion at the Novocherkassk military training center, identified Crimea as Russian President Vladimir Putin's "Achilles heel." According to his comments, the peninsula has become a concern for several key reasons.
Crimea's geographical location allows NATO reconnaissance aircraft to monitor Russian military movements over the Black Sea and obtain important radio transmission data. This creates an opportunity for the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) to receive up-to-date information.
The peninsula is within range of a variety of Ukrainian weapons, such as Storm Shadow missiles and Patriot shells. If the arsenal were to be located on the peninsula, it could pose a threat to Russian infrastructure in Crimea.
The West's recognition of Russia's non-recognition of Crimea's annexation creates the opportunity for the Armed Forces of Ukraine to attack the peninsula with any available weapons without violating international standards.
Thousands of Ukrainians remain in Crimea, dissatisfied with the occupation. This could lead to the formation of a network of informants who will transmit important information to Kyiv and contribute to the resistance to the occupation.
In his comments, Roepke suggested that the explosion at the Novocherkassk VDK could have been the result of a strike by two Storm Shadow missiles, a possible means of an air attack on Crimea. These events are of great importance in the run-up to the elections and highlight weaknesses in Russia’s strategy regarding Crimea.
