Ukraine Claims Airstrike on Russian Navy Ship in Crimea Amid Escalating Tensions
Tensions were rising when Ukraine said that it had attacked in Crimea, destroying a Russian Navy tank landing ship in the process. This comes after reports from Ukraine that they shot down Russian jets and that another Russian warship was destroyed in September of last year. If verified, the event represents the third significant loss of Russian military assets in less than a week.
Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force Mykola Oleshchuk expressed thanks for the Novocherkask ship’s destruction in the Feodosia port in Crimea. Social media footage appeared to show large explosions at the port, although CNN is unable to independently confirm the report.
Sergey Aksyonov, the newly appointed president of Crimea, confirmed a “enemy attack” involving casualties, and the Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged the damage to the ship in the Ukrainian attack. Volodymyr Zelensky, the president of Ukraine, praised the strike and emphasized the need for resistance against occupiers.
The Ropucha class vessel Novocherkask is approximately 112.5 meters in length and has a displacement of 3,450 tons. Designed for beach landings, it can accommodate 237 troops and has a crew of 87.
According to Ukrainian reports, the ship pursued the Russian flagship cruiser Moskva, which sank in April 2022 following a missile assault by Ukrainian forces, and was carrying Iranian-made Shahed attack drones.
This episode, if verified, would add to the string of recent Ukrainian wins that includes downing Russian jets on Christmas Eve and the alleged Minsk damage in September. These changes occur as Russia’s attacks on Ukraine escalate and the country looks for more international assistance.
The Ukrainian military has asked for 500,000 more soldiers despite the difficulties, highlighting the necessity of mobilization. The region’s geopolitical environment is still complicated, with both sides declaring wins and having to make important strategic choices.
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