Taking the Kherson region denies the Orcs access to Odessa, gives Ukraine access to the Black Sea and keeps their grain flowing. Its one small step to retaking the Crimea; threatens Orc military bases in Crimea and the Kersh Bridge, gives them access to the head gate of the Crimea’s fresh water supply.
That’s a must better answer than the other commenter gave. OK, we’ll see what happens next.
...access to the Black Sea and keeps their grain flowing.
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Well, once upon a time, Ukraine charged Russia and Europe transit fees for the gas pipeline flows.
I believe Russia would just return the favor, via contract, of course, specifying method of payment.
Fair’s fair, right?
I guess my profile is being created. The Ukes won’t and didn’t take the Southern flank. In fact, they barely got out with anyone in tact. Horrible rout. Its been over for 2 days. I do expect the Russians to make a hard drive towards Odessa and on to Moldova after the ground freezes. Their armor will pay a heavy price but they can’t deploy naval assets obviously until they secure the coast. They own Ukraine if they own Odessa. They own 1/5 of the world’s food supply too. They never intentionally tried to go for odessa. I know a lot of mariners. After losing their flag ship and two other ships in their swimming pool, the Black Sea, unless the Ukraine and the west sue for peace they will be headed for Moldova by November. Why wouldn’t they? They have nothing to lose now. And their navy has some payback to give. Ukraine has no navy, no airforce, limited helicopters, and a few HIMARS. But we expect them to beat a nuclear power with endless resources and clear ground supply line? I know the folks at the Farm and the Pentagon are smarter than this. This is a politician’s war. I don’t know but the only thing that makes logical sense is the west wants to break Europe off from Russia and China (Silk Road) and make them rely on western oil. It is the only thing that makes strategic sense.