BILD analyst Julian Röpke, reviewing the events surrounding the explosion at the Novocherkassk VDK, identified Crimea as the "Achilles heel" of Russian President Vladimir Putin. According to his comments, this peninsula has become an object of concern for several key reasons.
The geographic location of Crimea allows NATO reconnaissance aircraft to monitor Russian military movements over the Black Sea and receive important data on radio transmissions. 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 missiles. If the arsenal is located in the peninsula, it may pose a threat to the Russian infrastructure in Crimea.
The West's recognition of the non-recognition of Russia's annexation of Crimea creates an opportunity for the Armed Forces to attack the peninsula with any available weapon without violating international standards.
Thousands of Ukrainians remain in Crimea, dissatisfied with the occupation. This may lead to the formation of a network of informers who will pass important data to Kyiv and contribute to resistance to the occupation.
In his comments, Röpke suggested that the explosion at the Novocherkassk air base could be the result of a strike by two Storm Shadow missiles, which is a possible means of an air attack on Crimea. These events are of great importance ahead of the elections and highlight the weaknesses in Russia's Crimea strategy.
