It was the stumbling block in the conflict between Russia and Ukraine – and its annexation by Russia in 2014 was styled by Putin as a historic event. Crimea is also the focal point of the current conflict, politically but not militarily. Until now, at least, because retaking the peninsula, which Ukraine has always cited as a clear objective, can now count on US support. At least that’s what reports the renowned newspaper “New York Times”. The Biden administration plans, according to White House policy experts, to equip the Ukrainian army with the necessary weapons to attack Crimea and Russian troops there.
Also Putin’s bridge as a target
The main focus is on long-range artillery of the HIMARS type, which Ukraine has already received from the US. They could be used to bomb Crimea from the mainland and hit what is probably the most prestigious target, the bridge between Russia and Crimea that Putin himself opened. When it recently fell victim to a Ukrainian sabotage attack, it was hastily repaired and immediately personally inspected by Putin.
risky move
Supporting attacks on Crimea has long been too sensitive for the US. It was feared that Moscow might finally take this as a sign of escalation and even respond with a nuclear strike. Putin himself has repeatedly made it clear that Crimea is an indispensable part of Russia for him. The Russian Navy has had its most important base there, in the port of Sevastopol, for decades.