Ukraine has dealt a major blow to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in a nighttime airstrike on occupied Crimea. Two large landing ships were hit by missiles. Although without a functioning navy, Ukraine has significantly decimated – and thus deterred – the enemy fleet.
The Russian naval port of Sevastopol in Crimea, which was annexed in violation of international law, was again the target of a Ukrainian attack that night. Two “Ropucha” class landing ships, the “Yamal” and the “Azov”, were hit, the army in Kiev said on Sunday.
Russian command post destroyed
In addition, a command post in Sevastopol was destroyed, Ukraine’s Unian agency reported, citing underground fighters. At least 34 Russian soldiers, including eleven officers, were killed. At nearby Belbek airport, three Russian fighter jets were damaged by falling debris from fired missiles.
Russians confirm heavy airstrike
Sevastopol city authorities also reported that night a serious airstrike on the peninsula, which has been annexed by Russia since 2014. City leader Mikhail Razvoshayev spoke on Telegram about the “most massive attack in recent times”, but it was repulsed. Videos circulating on social media showed several violent explosions in different parts of Sevastopol. According to military experts, Ukrainian forces have deployed at least three ‘Storm Shadow’ cruise missiles, like those of Britain and France.
Razvoshayev wrote nothing about destroyed warships, he only reported that five small harbor ferries were damaged. He said one man was killed by rocket fragments and four other people were injured. In addition, 17 buses and a shared taxi were damaged.
According to unconfirmed reports, a fuel depot near the village of Gvardeyskoye, near the Crimean capital Simferopol, was also attacked. The bridge connecting the Russian mainland to the annexed peninsula was temporarily closed to traffic.
“Fleet practically incapable of action”
The Ukrainian hit reports have not yet been independently confirmed, but many observers believe they are true. British Defense Secretary Grant Shapps wrote on Platform
In recent months, Ukraine, which does not have a functioning navy of its own, has managed to further decimate the number of ships in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Several landing ships for amphibious operations were also eliminated. Russia used them to transport soldiers and equipment to Crimea. The 112-meter-long ships could also be deployed for a landing operation on the Ukrainian coast.
“Putin’s ships even sink in port”
It is unlikely that the Russian commanders will take such a risk, because the once proud Black Sea Fleet is now a shadow of its former self after numerous losses. The British Secretary of Defense noted: “Russia has been sailing the Black Sea since 1783, but is now forced to confine its fleet to the port. And even there, Putin’s ships are sinking!”
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
