Mark Cancian, a strategic research expert, believes that Ukraine is now focusing on conducting deep strikes targeting the Russian military complex in Crimea. He believes that this is a strategically sound move that could provide Ukraine with an advantage in future military operations.
Crimea, he said, is an attractive target because it is home to many stationary military facilities, such as airfields and ports, that are not easy to camouflage or disperse.
"I don't think the Ukrainians will be able to cut off Crimea, but they can make the residents of Crimea feel uncomfortable," he emphasized.
Ukraine has twice damaged the Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to Russia, causing Russia to stop using it for military supplies. Now [the Russians] are transporting cargo by rail through occupied parts of Ukraine.
In the US, some members of Congress are putting pressure on the Biden administration, seeking permission for Ukraine to shell Russian territory with ATACMS and other American-made weapons.
A ban on the use of weapons on Russian territory is hindering Ukraine's efforts to stop Moscow's recent incursion into the northeastern Kharkiv region.
Institute for the Study of War analyst George Barros points out that the US could immediately change the combat situation in the Kharkiv direction if the White House lifted this ban.
It is much more convenient and efficient for Moscow to transfer troops and weapons to this front than in other regions. Russian troops in the east have to disperse and camouflage positions behind the front line.
"Ukrainians cannot engage them in battle until they cross the international border," the expert emphasized.
