
The Russian Navy’s large landing ship Novocherkassk sets sail in the Bosphorus, on its way to the Mediterranean Sea, in Istanbul, Turkey May 5, 2021. REUTERS/Yoruk Isik
In a recent overnight strike, Ukraine targeted a significant Russian landing warship in Crimea using cruise missiles, resulting in at least one confirmed fatality and potential complications for any Russian endeavors to seize additional Ukrainian territory along the Black Sea coast. The Novocherkassk large landing ship, stationed in the Crimean port of Feodosia, sustained damage in the attack, according to the Russian defense ministry.
The Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson, Yuriy Ihnat, noted the formidable impact of the explosion, making it challenging for the Novocherkassk—capable of transporting tanks and armored vehicles—to resume service. The attack employed cruise missiles, the specific type of which was not disclosed, but Ukraine has received such missiles from both Britain and France.
Russia’s annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014 remains a contentious issue, with tensions escalating as Russia hints at potential territorial expansion along the Black Sea coast. President Vladimir Putin, earlier this month, controversially claimed Odessa, the Ukrainian navy’s headquarters, as “a Russian city.”
Footage from the purported attack site showed powerful explosions and raging fires, while unverified social media videos depicted a massive explosion illuminating the night sky. A photo circulating on Ukrainian blogs, claimed to show the aftermath, displayed a charred debris cluster emerging from the water near a dock.
Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea, confirmed one fatality, while the RIA news agency reported four injuries. Despite limited gains in the Ukrainian counteroffensive, Russia has faced a series of attacks on Crimea, the base of its Black Sea Fleet, causing substantial damage to various military assets.
Previous assaults targeted ships in dry docks, warships in Sevastopol’s main port, airfields, the Black Sea Fleet HQ building, and the critical bridge connecting southern Russia to Crimea. Throughout the conflict, Russia has utilized its fleet to obstruct Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, a vital route for the country’s agriculture and steel exports.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy humorously remarked on Telegram that his air force had contributed to reducing Russia’s submarine fleet by damaging the landing ship. He asserted that there would be no sanctuary for occupiers in Ukraine.
The Ukrainian air force claimed responsibility for the strike, stating that it occurred around 02:30 local time, resulting in the destruction of the Novocherkassk. The commander of Ukraine’s air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, expressed gratitude to those involved, emphasizing the diminishing size of Russia’s fleet.
Sergei Markov, a former Kremlin adviser, acknowledged the likelihood of Russia withholding detailed information during wartime but stressed the need to reinforce Crimea’s air defense systems. He also emphasized the necessity of curbing Ukraine’s ability to strike Russia.
Feodosia, with a population of approximately 69,000, is situated on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula.
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