Ukraine launches counteroffensive on Crimea — first phase already underway

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war Oleksiy Hetman stated that systematic strikes by the Armed Forces of Ukraine on infrastructure in Crimea are the first phase of the counteroffensive. According to him, the tactical blockade of the peninsula through the destruction of logistics will force Russian forces to retreat, surrender, or die. It will hardly be possible to completely avoid a ground operation.

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war, retired major Oleksiy Hetman, said on the 24 Channel that systematic asymmetric strikes by the Defense Forces and Unmanned Systems Forces of Ukraine on key transport arteries, fuel depots, and energy hubs in occupied Crimea indicate the start of the first phase of the operation to de-occupy the peninsula. In his opinion, the current stage represents a methodical tactical encirclement and blockade of the peninsula by disrupting supplies. Without continuous deliveries of fuel and ammunition, the Russian group in Crimea will gradually lose the ability to conduct effective combat operations. Hetman noted that the Russians will have three options: flee across the Kerch Bridge, surrender, or die. Despite the effectiveness of remote strikes, he believes that it will hardly be possible to completely avoid a ground operation, citing modern conflicts where final consolidation of success required the entry of ground units.