Britain advises Ukraine to focus on defense and strikes on the Black Sea and Crimea in 2024
British Defense Secretary Grant Shepps and British Army Commander Tony Radakin recommended that Ukraine refrain from offensive actions on the eastern front in 2024, instead focusing on defense and strikes on the Black Sea and Crimea. During meetings with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian officials, British officials advised a pullback from some of the problematic positions in the east to strengthen the defense.
According to the information Sunday TimesRadakin expressed concern about the possible fixation of the Ukrainian command, in particular Syrsky, on land battles, recommending that attention be paid to developing an Iranian-style navy, consisting of lighter, more maneuverable ships and drones capable of deterring Russia in the Black Sea and protecting vital shipping routes for Ukrainian exports.
Shepps and Radakin believe that the key to Ukraine’s success in 2024 lies in strikes on Crimea and the Russian navy, which could significantly affect the “Russian mentality” and Putin’s position on losing control of Crimea and the Black Sea.
The meeting of British officials with the Ukrainian leadership at the Mariinsky Palace was a key moment in determining Ukraine’s future strategy in the conflict with Russia. Censor.net reports. Grant Shepps and Tony Radakin, representing the United Kingdom, discussed with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and other Ukrainian military and political leaders potential areas for strengthening Ukraine’s defense. The main advice was to concentrate on protecting strategically important facilities, holding the line in the northern and eastern sections of the front, and retreating to more strategic positions if necessary. They also emphasized the importance of strikes on the Black Sea and Crimea as an element that could change the course of the conflict in favor of Ukraine. This meeting emphasized the importance of international support and cooperation in countering Russian aggression.