Ukraine may use F-16 for strikes in Crimea
17 June 2024 11:58
By targeting the peninsula, especially Russian ground-based air defence systems, Ukraine is preparing the ground for future air strikes after the arrival of F-16 fighters. This opinion was expressed by Frederik Mertens, an analyst at the Hague Centre for Strategic Studies, in a commentary to Business Insider, reports "Komersant Ukrainian".
“Crimea is vulnerable. The Russians have relatively limited room for manoeuvre on the peninsula. Putin has a lot to lose both politically and militarily. Therefore, if a limited number of fighter jets can have a real impact, it is here – and over the Black Sea, which will become fully accessible once the problem with man-portable air defence systems in Crimea is resolved,” the analyst said.
The media experts interviewed also believe that if there is one place where Ukraine can win the war with Russia, it is Crimea. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy has previously stated that the battle for Crimea and the Black Sea will become central in the coming months.
Ukraine has already carried out successful attacks on the peninsula, destroying Russian batteries and striking the Belbek airfield. Ukraine’s attacks are successful because of training, defence forces, intelligence and support from NATO allies. Ukraine has also successfully attacked Russia’s Black Sea Fleet using naval drones. These attacks have allowed for the resumption of grain shipments through the Black Sea and forced Russia to relocate some operations on the peninsula.
Crimea allows Russia to project power to the Black Sea, so deterring Russian naval positions in Crimea is important for Ukraine. Russia cannot lose Crimea and will allow Ukraine to use the threat of the peninsula’s status as an advantage in future negotiations. If Ukraine is able to regain control of the Black Sea and return Crimea, it will mean the end of the war.
