Ukrainian forces have broken through the Russian defense line above the Crimean peninsula.
Advancements that may become important, according to lieutenant colonel Joakim Paasikivi.
– It can be very important, because you have made your way through the minefields in a couple of places, he says.
Ukrainian troops have advanced far behind Russian defense lines at the town of Robotyne. The fact that the troops have now advanced past the minefields means that they can now attack the fortifications directly.
– If you get through the minefields and into the Russian fortifications, then Russia cannot defend them, you can spread out, and thus get a starting point for further advance in a southern direction, says Joakim Paasikivi, lieutenant colonel.
Strategically important area
A further advance down towards the coast could in the long run provide major military strategic advantages. Since in this way you can begin to isolate Russian forces on the occupied Crimean peninsula.
– The most important thing here for Ukraine is to be able to cut off the Russian maintenance line. There is a lot of transport here, both from Russian units and out to Crimea and the opposite route.
– If you can throttle this from the Ukrainian side, then you have created a situation that is favorable, then you have also created major problems for the Russian side, he says.
In the next phase, the central points of Ukrainian success would be attacks on the remaining bridges out to Crimea.
Russia pushes north
At the same time, information comes that Russia has sent special forces to specific defense points north of Robotyne. Reinforcement that may require Ukrainian troop movements.
– Up there, Russia is pressing and Ukraine is forced to defend. This is done on the Russian side because they want Ukraine to instead have to step up and defend there, but that has not yet happened, he says.
Instead, Paasikivi believes that major fighting will continue in the areas where Ukraine has already gained ground.