The Pros and Cons of Ukraine's Options for Crimea

Ukraine may lack the military capability to retake Crimea from Russia, but it could still achieve some of its key objectives by blockading it using modern technologies such as explosive uncrewed surface vessels (USVs). With long-range strike capabilities, Ukrainian forces could make Crimea untenable for Russian forces by the end of the summer. USVs can sink warships and destroy maritime infrastructure, while longer-range fires could target port facilities and ground transportation networks leading from them. By pinning down and neutering the enemy in Crimea, Ukrainian forces could work to oust it from other parts of their country.