Ukraine has stepped up strikes against Russian occupiers in Melitopol and may be preparing for the next major offensive to drive Russian troops out of southern Ukraine. This is reported by The New York Times.
It is noted that the defenders are using high-precision, long-range missile strikes and sabotage against the Russian occupiers in Melitopol. Yes, Melitopol is an important city, because the road to the temporarily occupied Crimea passes through it.
It is reported that on the evening of December 12, the bridge over the Molochna River in Melitopol was damaged. The destruction of the bridge endangered the key Russian supply route to Melitopol from the south.
In addition, Ukrainian and Russian officials have acknowledged recent defender strikes and attempts to hit Russian command centers, ammunition depots and supply routes in Melitopol.
"It is unclear whether these strikes were a prelude to an offensive or a diversion as Ukrainian forces prepare to attack the Russians in a different direction. But military analysts called them significant and said they were consistent with Ukraine's use of precision missiles to strike Russian logistical targets." - writes NYT.
Yes, Melitopol is a key center, and regaining control over it could help Ukrainian forces regain not only the entire Zaporizhzhya region, but also another neighboring Kherson region. This could then give them the opportunity to push Russian troops back to Crimea, which the Russians controlled before the full-scale invasion.
It is noted that capturing the city and its transport hubs would make it difficult to replenish and strengthen Russian forces in southern Ukraine, but taking it is a difficult task. The nearest area held by Ukrainian forces is approximately 64 km north of Melitopol.