Ukrainian officials are claiming that recent attacks on Russian forces are part of a new offensive strategy. According to Mykhaylo Podolyak, a key adviser to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, these attacks could accelerate over the next two to three months. Insurgent activity has been increasing in the occupied territories, and Ukrainian military partisans are carrying out stealthy strikes. They are also increasing their use of booby traps.
Russia’s Annexation of Crimea
While the annexation of Crimea is a tragic turn of events for Ukraine, it also represents a turning point in the foreign policy of the Russian Federation. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian leaders have proclaimed that Ukraine must remain within their “sphere of privileged interest.” This annexation points to Russia’s newest strategy, which is to use a weakened counterpart as leverage to wrest back control of the region from the Ukrainians.
Nuclear-Armed Russia
While conventional forces are costly, they may not be enough to deter a nuclear-armed Russia. The West must work closely with other countries outside the conflict to keep sanctions in place. For example, China may seek to undermine the economic sanctions against Russia, which may lead to further conflict. Furthermore, NATO may need to think outside the box in order to provide additional military support to Ukraine. They could also consider a “lend-lease” policy similar to the one that the United States employed during World War II. The ultimate goal is to weaken Russia’s no-deal options.
Resistance Force
The new strategy is clearly aimed at deterring the Russians from annexing the Crimea. Ukraine has activated a “resistance force” under the command of Ukrainian special forces that will conduct attacks behind Russian lines. According to the law passed in 2013, the “resistance force” will be able to launch attacks on key Russian military installations.
Bolstering Ukraine’s Military Capabilities
In addition to bolstering Ukraine’s military capabilities, the annexation of Crimea has also thrown into focus the role of Ukrainian special forces. The recent explosion of an air base in Crimea and an explosion of ammunition depot in the region has triggered much attention to the newest strategy of Ukraine’s armed forces. Despite its weakness, Russia is still able to strike targets in Crimea from Ukraine’s territory.
Ukraine’s Overall Importance
The annexation of Crimea resets Ukraine’s overall importance and could lead to a more complex regional crisis. The continued escalation of the conflict has made it essential to rethink the U.S. and European strategy toward Russia. As long as Russia continues to act in such a way, Ukraine’s future is at stake. It’s imperative to respond to Russia’s actions by developing a new strategy to counter its aggressive behavior:
- The annexation of Crimea has raised the prospect of further separatist movements in other parts of Ukraine.
- It is not unknown for local residents to turn to their better-off co-ethnics across the border for guidance.
- Crimea, despite its affluence and stability, is still vulnerable to the specter of separatism.
- There are many documents that affirm Ukraine’s territorial integrity within internationally recognized borders.
High-Level Officials
The current negotiations between the two sides are being held in Belarus, a close ally of Ukraine. The close proximity of Belarus to the conflict-ridden region will have a significant impact on the negotiating process. Ukraine has sent high-level officials to the meetings, and Russia has sent lower-level representatives. The Russian delegation includes presidential aide Vladimir Medinsky, the former culture minister, and Duma Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Leonid Slutsky. The meetings between the two sides are brief and only take place every few days.
Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Targeting Russian Supply Lines
The Ukrainian military has launched a counteroffensive against Russian forces positioned on the eastern flank of the Donbass. This move is consistent with the Kremlin’s goal of forcing talks in the autumn and securing the line of contact. But the Ukrainians are enhancing their forces’ capabilities with Western weapons. These weapons are highly accurate and can strike targets far behind the front line. HIMARS, for example, is much more precise than any other piece of artillery in the Ukrainian arsenal.
In addition to securing the border, Ukraine has also launched a counteroffensive targeting Russian supply lines. This move is important because the Russian military has been shelling Ukraine’s port of Odesa and its supply lines. These supply lines are essential for the defense of Ukraine. Ukraine’s foreign minister has suggested that the goal of the counteroffensive may be broader than just pushing Russia back to the areas it controlled on Feb. 24.
West Bank of Dnipro
The latest counteroffensive in the Kherson region is likely part of a larger effort to retake control of the western bank of the Dnipro River. This offensive is consistent with the recent escalation of fighting in the east and south, and is likely to continue until the end of the week. However, the counteroffensive also targets Russian supply lines on the west bank of the Dnipro.
While the Ukrainian military is aiming to retake Kherson and other towns in the east, the Russians have been moving troops to Crimea. As a result, the Russian army’s supply routes have become increasingly crowded. Ukraine has launched renewed attacks against road and railway bridges, putting pressure on Russian supply lines. But these tactics have been tried in the past as well. Meanwhile, in some cases, the Russian army has used the same tactic.
Intentions Clear
Despite the growing pressure, Russia has already made its intentions clear. The Russian military has vowed to keep the occupied areas and take more territory in the east. A major goal of the Russians is to take over all of eastern Ukraine. That goal is crucial for Moscow’s plans. It’s essential that the Russian military has full control of the eastern part of Ukraine. Even if that’s not possible, they won’t be able to stop the fighting and regain their territory.
Final Steps:
A recent Ukrainian offensive aimed at the Russian supply lines in Kherson has proven to be effective. It has prevented a major Russian assault on the city, which was one of the first cities to fall to the invasion. The Ukrainian forces have also targeted Russian supply lines at key pontoon ferry crossing points near Kherson. These bridges are vital for Russian troops because they are dependent on them for resupply. However, the Ukrainians have not yet managed to capture Kherson, and there are still more strikes to come.