The attack on the port of Sevastopol, located more than 240 km south of the front line, occurred on the night of May 19.
Key Points:
ATACMS Types and Capabilities:
- Not all ATACMS variants can accurately hit targets at such distances.
- The strike on "Kovrovets" suggests Ukraine may have received the more precise M48 ATACMS (with a range of 272.5 km) or M57 ATACMS (with a range of 305.7 km).
Strategic Implications:
- The accuracy and range of these missiles indicate a significant enhancement in Ukraine's offensive capabilities.
- This poses a substantial threat to the remnants of Russia's Black Sea Fleet anchored in Sevastopol.
- Portuguese military consultant Nuno Felis mentioned that the Russian occupying forces in Crimea have limited means to counter these missiles.
Threat to the Kerch Bridge:
- Norwegian expert Fabian Hoffmann noted that accurate ATACMS missiles could severely threaten the Kerch Bridge, a critical link between southern Russia and the occupied peninsula.
- The ability to strike ships demonstrates the potential to target the bridge effectively, highlighting the strategic importance of these missiles in rendering Crimea a key battleground.
The delivery of long-range ATACMS to Ukraine marks a pivotal development in the ongoing conflict, significantly enhancing Ukraine's ability to target key Russian military assets and infrastructure.
