Ukraine Successfully Executes ‘Anaconda Plan’ Strategy, Demonstrating Remarkable Tactical Brilliance

Progress in Ukraine’s fight against Russian forces is slowing down, causing concern for the safety of Ukrainian families. While last year saw significant advances, recent efforts have only resulted in gaining a few meters through Russian minefields. Despite the lack of flashy territorial seizures, Ukraine’s strikes on the Black Sea Fleet, advances towards the M14 highway, and attacks on Russian bridges resemble America’s Anaconda Plan from the Civil War.

The original Anaconda Plan, proposed and enacted by General Winfield Scott, aimed to strangle the southern states by cutting off supplies and halting cotton exports. This slow and grinding strategy was implemented with the understanding that the war would be long and frustrating for the North. Similarly, Ukraine has realized that a large-scale NATO-style attack against Russian defenses is not feasible and has shifted to a slower strategy of chipping away at the defensive lines with small infantry teams.

While Ukraine’s attacks on the Black Sea Fleet and bridges to Crimea may not be a direct isolation play, they serve as demonstrations of capabilities and target valuable assets. The severing of the land bridge connecting Russia to its southern formations in the Kherson Oblast and Crimea, however, is a clear isolation play. This strategy not only breaks apart enemy lines but also puts pressure on the land bridge, degrades morale, prevents Russian unit rotations, and potentially liberates cities like Melitopol.

For Ukraine’s potential Anaconda Plan to succeed, it needs to further degrade the Black Sea Fleet, inflict more damage on the road and rail bridges over the Kerch Strait, and most importantly, sever the land bridge connecting Russia to its southern formations. The M14 highway is a crucial target in achieving this goal, and Ukraine has already reached rocket range of it. Russia is aware of its vulnerability without the land bridge and is deploying increased airstrikes and Russian Airborne Forces to defend against Ukrainian advances.

The supply of American ATACMS missiles makes it easier for Ukraine to isolate Russian forces, but limitations in range or the donation of cluster variants could hinder their effectiveness against the Black Sea Fleet and bridges. Germany’s Taurus missile, which they have declined to send, would be ideal for these targets. Regardless, even if Ukraine is successful, it will take months for cut-off Russian units to surrender or become degraded enough for Ukraine to easily defeat them. The Anaconda Plan is a slow strategy, but long-term success is more important than quick victory.