[Goose]

Do we know they aren’t placing mines in the  Karch Strait?  If you were in charge, wouldn’t you place all you want before setting off the first one?  Then use the mines as part of an offensive.

We pretty much do know they are not doing so because Russia has gone to great lengths to ensure that sea drones can't get anywhere near the bridge. As a byproduct they can't get into the Sea of Azov either. It seems in this case Russia has done an adequate job. It is also possible (but IMO very improbable) Ukraine has found a way and will manage it. If they can, the first thing to mine isn't the strait but rather the approaches to the ferry landings. If/when we hear about ferries sinking we will know they managed. The strait will be a close second.

You are correct. There are good reasons to placing at least a "significant" minefield before activating it. Once the mines are detected your opponent will begin clearing the minefield and put mine countermeasures in place to avoid more mines being emplaced.  That said it is often wise to place a few mines in areas where you do NOT intend to emplace a minefield (at that time). Your opponent doesn't know your intentions and has to react accordingly. It may take them awhile to figure out there is no minefield there. After they leave, you then put in more mines, either a full field or just a few. It makes the opponents mariners very nervous :-). They are told an area is mined and to stay away. Later they are then told it is cleared. They start using it but then they are mined. Doesn't help trust and commerce much.

[Goose]

Do we know they aren’t placing mines in the  Karch Strait?  If you were in charge, wouldn’t you place all you want before setting off the first one?  Then use the mines as part of an offensive.

We pretty much do know they are not doing so because Russia has gone to great lengths to ensure that sea drones can't get anywhere near the bridge. As a byproduct they can't get into the Sea of Azov either. It seems in this case Russia has done an adequate job. It is also possible (but IMO very improbable) Ukraine has found a way and will manage it. If they can, the first thing to mine isn't the strait but rather the approaches to the ferry landings. If/when we hear about ferries sinking we will know they managed. The strait will be a close second.

You are correct. There are good reasons to placing at least a "significant" minefield before activating it. Once the mines are detected your opponent will begin clearing the minefield and put mine countermeasures in place to avoid more mines being emplaced.  That said it is often wise to place a few mines in areas where you do NOT intend to emplace a minefield (at that time). Your opponent doesn't know your intentions and has to react accordingly. It may take them awhile to figure out there is no minefield there. After they leave, you then put in more mines, either a full field or just a few. It makes the opponents mariners very nervous :-). They are told an area is mined and to stay away. Later they are then told it is cleared. They start using it but then they are mined. Doesn't help trust and commerce much.