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The Ukrainian city of Melitopol is located in the middle of the Russian-occupied territory in the south of Ukraine. It has been firmly in Russian hands for more than a year and has even been declared the capital of the Russian-occupied territories in Zaporizhia Oblast.
But now Russian dominance in the city should be over. “It’s noisy! Explosions were heard in all areas of the city at the same time!” Ivan Fedorov, 34, the former mayor of the Ukrainian city of Melitopol, wrote on the Telegram news service on Wednesday. The Ukrainian troops have now attacked the city.
In the middle of the Russian-occupied and illegally annexed territory, the Ukrainian troops made themselves felt with full force. The attack has fueled speculation about an imminent Ukrainian counter-offensive.
Railway lines vital to Russia
The capture of Melitopol would be a strategically valuable objective. The city is the hub of the Russian railways, one of the few rail links to Crimea. It is therefore indispensable as a logistics center for the Russian army. There is also the largest locomotive maintenance facility in the south of Ukraine. And it was precisely this depot that was the center of the Ukrainian attacks on Wednesday. The shelling by Ukrainian troops is likely primarily aimed at obstructing Russian supplies – which are mainly delivered by rail – to the front lines.
A similar maneuver was carried out ten days ago by the Ukrainians in Crimea. There, too, a railway junction in Dzhankoy was bombarded by Ukrainian drones. With the same goal as in Melitopol: to cut the railway artery, which is vital for the Russian war.
But Melitopol is at least as important for Ukraine. Not only would a recapture after more than a year in Russian hands be a success with symbolic clout. Melitopol could also be the focus and thus the starting point of the widely announced Ukrainian counter-offensive. Zaporizhia Oblast is considered one of the main targets of this offensive. When the Ukrainian flag flies over Melitopol again, the Ukrainians can advance to the Sea of Azov and drive a wedge between the Russian forces.
Melitopol could become the turning point in the war
Military experts are sure: if the Ukrainians retake Melitopol, the Russian defenses in southern Ukraine will collapse. Because without Melitopol, the Russians can no longer ensure the supply of their own troops. Then the road to Crimea would be clear for the Ukrainian troops – retaking the peninsula is one of Ukraine’s biggest goals.
At the same time, a recapture of Melitopol almost means a clear path towards Zaporizhia. The city and the nuclear power plant of the same name are less than 120 kilometers from Melitopol. Since the Russians took over the nuclear power plant, concerns about a nuclear disaster have increased. The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, Rafael Grossi, also warned on Thursday. It is clear that military activity is increasing throughout the region. However, a Ukrainian victory in Zaporizhia Oblast would increase the long-term safety of the nuclear power plant.
After the cities of Lyman, Kherson and Bakhmut, Melitopol could now be the next Ukrainian city to grab the attention of the global public.
Source: Blick
I am Amelia James, a passionate journalist with a deep-rooted interest in current affairs. I have more than five years of experience in the media industry, working both as an author and editor for 24 Instant News. My main focus lies in international news, particularly regional conflicts and political issues around the world.
