Ukraine capable of attacking any corner of Crimea with ATACMS missiles - NYT
ATACMS missile (photo: flickr.com)
Ukraine, armed with precision-guided missiles of American manufacture, can now for the first time target any corner of Crimea, according to The New York Times.
American journalists note that Russia initially used occupied Crimea as a springboard for its full-scale invasion and later as a base for planned air strikes. However, now missiles are increasingly flying in both directions.
Ukraine intends to dismantle critical Russian bases that support its war efforts. Potential targets for the Ukrainian Armed Forces include airfields, air defense systems, and logistic centers of Russian forces.
A senior American official stated that Ukraine is very effectively using long-range missiles supplied by the US. Additionally, the official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that Ukraine has a sufficient number of ATACMS missiles to continue striking Russian military targets in Crimea. According to the official, ammunition stocks are regularly replenished, numbering in the hundreds, not just dozens.
Citing British intelligence, the NYT reports that Ukrainian strikes with ATACMS missiles may compel Moscow to relocate some military aircraft from the peninsula or risk losing them.
The New York Times notes that while Ukrainian ATACMS strikes are unlikely to impact the front line, they could influence where Russia deploys some of its most valuable air defense assets to protect critical infrastructure.
Earlier, it was reported that the Netherlands fined Dieseko Group BV for its involvement in the construction of the Crimean Bridge by Russians.
