Russian military sites in Crimea keep exploding, hinting at growing Ukrainian ambitions and abilities

For Melvin, the explosions in Crimea are part of the first phase of the long-anticipated Ukrainian counterattack and what military analysts call “shaping the battle” ahead of the main offensive — trying to reduce Russia’s ability to resist that attack, including by targeting Moscow’s air power in Crimea. But striking Russian positions there could also signal a change in the scope of Ukraine's war effort, Melvin said.