How liberation of Crimea may affect course of war - ISW experts
How liberation of Crimea may affect course of war (photo: Getty Images)
If Ukraine returns Crimea and the occupied territories of the south, three cities will be safe, predicts the Institute for the Study of War (ISW).
If Ukraine regains Crimea, its defense spending and tasks will be significantly reduced, while if Crimea remains in Russian hands, Ukraine will have to continue to spend significant amounts of money on defense.
The January 2022 map assumes that Russia will retain Crimea.
If Ukraine liberates Crimea and the territories of the south occupied by Russia, Kherson, Mykolaiv, and Odesa will be safe, and the threat to Melitopol will be significantly reduced.
According to ISW, Mariupol is currently the only major frontline city in the south, which makes it difficult to defend the region. Ukrainian troops need to be well-trained and mobilized.
The return of Crimea to Ukrainian control significantly reduces the risk that Russia will launch an airborne operation on Ukraine's southwestern coast. It also reduces the threat of Russian missile attacks on ships through the western Black Sea.
Ukraine's attack on Crimea
Explosions are becoming more frequent in the temporarily occupied Crimea. Russians are losing warehouses, military bases, and ships.
Earlier we reported that residents of Sevastopol heard a powerful explosion on December 30. The occupation "authorities" claimed to have repelled an attempted attack by a maritime drone.
On December 28, sounds similar to explosions were heard near Kozacha Bay.
Also, late in the evening of December 27, explosions were heard in Sevastopol, preliminary, in the area of the bay.
