The Siege of Crimea Has Already Begun…but nobody’s talking about it

Summary

The video analyzes the ongoing siege of Crimea, emphasizing its strategic significance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. It argues that Ukraine's military pressure on Crimea has effectively neutralized Russia's ability to defend the peninsula, which has been abandoned by Russia in many respects. Despite challenges, Ukraine's tactics, such as targeting Russian military assets and infrastructure, signal that Crimea could eventually be retaken. The video contends that Crimea holds immense symbolic and strategic value for both Russia and Ukraine, and its eventual recapture could decisively impact Putin's legacy.

Takeaways

• 😀 The invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 significantly shaped Vladimir Putin's legacy in the eyes of the Russian people.
• 😀 Crimea is considered one of the top three most important events in Russian history, following WWII and the first Soviet astronaut.
• 😀 Ukraine views Crimea as central to its national identity and has stated that the war will not end until Crimea is reclaimed.
• 😀 Some argue that Ukraine should concede Crimea, as it's strategically important to Russia and difficult to reclaim militarily.
• 😀 Ukraine has already effectively sieged Crimea by making it difficult for Russia to resupply the peninsula, even though Crimea is not yet fully retaken.
• 😀 Russia has been unable to defend Crimea from Ukrainian attacks, as evidenced by their inability to maintain supply lines and defend key infrastructure.
• 😀 Ukraine has been successful in limiting Russia's access to Crimea through strikes on the Black Sea fleet, air defense systems, and the Kirch Strait Bridge.
• 😀 Ukraine's strategy in Crimea may involve signaling the ability to destroy the Kirch Strait Bridge without doing so, to avoid trapping Russian citizens and forcing them to leave.
• 😀 The Ukrainian strikes on Crimea serve to deplete Russia's resources, diverting them from other areas of the battlefield, which benefits Ukraine in the long term.
• 😀 Ukraine could be intensifying its siege of Crimea, with ongoing strikes on critical infrastructure and military assets, potentially preparing for a more decisive action.
• 😀 The situation in Crimea is seen as advantageous for Ukraine, as Russia is stretched thin defending the region while Ukraine has continued to escalate pressure over time.

Q & A

Why is the invasion and annexation of Crimea considered pivotal in Vladimir Putin's legacy?

The invasion and annexation of Crimea in 2014 played a significant role in solidifying Putin's legacy because it was a highly popular move within Russia, contributing to a sense of national pride. Crimea became one of the top three most important events in Russian history, just behind World War II victory and the launch of the first astronaut into space.

What role does Crimea play in Ukraine’s national identity?

Crimea holds great significance in Ukraine's national identity, as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the war began in Crimea and will end there, underlining that Ukraine will not consider the war over until it regains control of the peninsula.

Why do some people believe that Ukraine should concede Crimea to Russia?

Some believe Ukraine should concede Crimea because they perceive it as militarily impossible for Ukraine to retake the peninsula. Additionally, the annexation of Crimea is so central to Russian identity and Putin's political career that Russia is unlikely to ever give it up, no matter the cost.

What is the argument against the notion that Ukraine should concede Crimea?

The argument against conceding Crimea is that it is possible for Ukraine to retake the peninsula through military strategy. The key is not just assaulting it, but making Crimea untenable for Russia, which is already being done through a siege-like strategy.

How has Ukraine's strategy impacted Russia's ability to defend Crimea?

Ukraine has successfully isolated Crimea by targeting Russian military assets such as the Black Sea Fleet and air defense systems. Russia can no longer use the Kirch Strait Bridge to supply Crimea due to the fear of Ukraine destroying it, leaving the peninsula vulnerable.

What was the strategic significance of Ukraine forcing the Russian Black Sea fleet to relocate?

By forcing the Russian Black Sea Fleet to relocate, Ukraine weakened Russia’s military position in the Black Sea, diminishing Russia's ability to protect Crimea and its other frontline positions effectively.

What does the destruction of Russian air defense systems in Crimea signify for Ukraine’s military strategy?

The destruction of Russian air defense systems allowed Ukraine to launch long-range strikes across Crimea, including hitting the Kirch Strait Bridge. This significantly disrupted Russian military operations and undermined Russia's control over the peninsula.

Why has Ukraine refrained from fully destroying the Kirch Strait Bridge despite multiple strikes?

Ukraine may be deliberately avoiding the full destruction of the Kirch Strait Bridge to keep the supply lines to Crimea open, allowing Russian civilians to leave the peninsula. This strategic ambiguity serves to maintain pressure on Russia while providing an exit route for civilians.

How does the situation in Crimea benefit Ukraine in terms of resource management?

The ongoing siege of Crimea siphons Russian resources away from other areas of the front lines, weakening Russia’s overall military position. Ukraine is able to continue striking Crimea without immediately escalating the situation, thus gaining strategic advantages in a war of attrition.

What could the future hold for the siege of Crimea based on recent developments?

Recent actions by Ukraine, such as targeted strikes on Russian military infrastructure in Crimea and renewed attacks on the Kirch Strait Bridge, suggest that Ukraine is either preparing for a more significant assault on Crimea or continuing to gradually ramp up pressure on Russia, making it increasingly difficult for Russia to hold the peninsula.