Ukraine intensifies Crimea attacks with new U.S. missiles

Ukraine has been intensively attacking Crimea in recent weeks, and even the Russians admit it. Experts note that Ukraine is adopting a new tactic. Utilizing American long-range ATACMS missiles, they are targeting and destroying Russian air defenses to establish safe air corridors for F-16 aircraft.

The Russians acknowledge that Ukrainian attacks on Crimea have intensified. According to Ukrainian reports, about fifteen S-300 and S-400 air defense systems were damaged in Crimea from mid-April to mid-June.

Experts indicate that Ukraine is adopting a new tactic. Using American long-range ATACMS missiles, they are dismantling Russian air defenses. This initiative aims to create safe air corridors for F-16 aircraft, estimates Philip O'Brien, professor of strategic studies at the University of St Andrews in Edinburgh.

"Additionally, blocking the narrow logistical routes connecting Crimea with Russia will cut off the peninsula's occupying soldiers from logistics," writes the French "Le Monde" in its analysis of the frontline situation.

As Pentagon spokesman Patrick Ryder recently stated, the US position on the use of long-range weapons in attacks on the Russian Federation has not changed. "Our policy is that the long-range weapons we provide to Ukraine are intended for use on sovereign Ukrainian territory," he said.

In response to a clarifying question about whether this applies to occupied Crimea, Ryder affirmed that the peninsula is part of Ukraine.