Fights are raging on the island of Zmiinyi in Ukraine, also known as Φιδονήσιwhich was this, where 13 Ukrainian soldiers defiantly refused to surrender to Russian forces, telling a warship “to go to hell».
Russian forces are gaining ground on the island, but have not been able to fully grasp it and continue to accept attackin particular by Ukrainian unmanned aerial vehicles.
However, if Russia had full control of the 662-meter-wide (0.4-mile) island, it would be a “big game change» for its military capabilitiesJonathan Bentham, a marine analyst at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, told the BBC.
He underlined that if Russia was able to bring S-400 missile systems to Fidonisifor example, then it would have “a true long-range anti-aircraft capability in the northwestern Black Sea».
He added that this would give Russia significant offensive and defensive capabilities, as it could predict air threats earlier and would have easier access to key port cities of southeastern Ukraine, such as Odessa.
However, given the small size of the island and its rocky terrain, the analyst pointed out that the supply would not be easy for Russia.
He added that if Russia or Ukraine failed to consolidate their positions on the island with sophisticated anti-aircraft weapons, their forces will remain vulnerable to attacksleading to a possible control by both nations.
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