Russian Warship Damaged in Ukrainian Airstrike

In a major escalation of the current conflict, Russia has acknowledged that the Novocherkassk, a substantial landing vessel, incurred damage due to a Ukrainian airstrike at the Black Sea’s Feodosiya port, situated in the Crimea region under Russian control. The incident transpired in the early hours of Tuesday, intensifying the regional tensions.

Attack Details

As per the Russian Defense Ministry, the Novocherkassk was targeted by Ukrainian aircraft using guided missiles. This revelation followed the Ukrainian Air Force’s head claiming the destruction of the ship. Sergei Aksyonov, Crimea’s Russian-appointed leader, confirmed that the attack led to one death and multiple injuries.

Consequences of the Airstrike

The airstrike’s impact extended beyond the warship, affecting the nearby locale. Aksyonov mentioned that six buildings suffered damage and several inhabitants were relocated to temporary shelters. However, normal operations at the port were resumed after securing the area and extinguishing the resulting fire.

Visual and Satellite Confirmation

Footage released by Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, purportedly shows an explosion at the Feodosiya port. While this footage awaits independent confirmation, satellite imagery taken on December 24th supports the presence of a ship resembling the Novocherkassk in the area.

Ukraine’s Rebuttal to Russian Military Allegations

The Ukrainian Air Force has denied Russia’s claims concerning the shooting down of two Ukrainian Su-24 bombers near Mykolaiv. Additionally, Ukraine has rejected Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu’s claim regarding the seizure of Mariinka, a strategically important town in eastern Ukraine.

The Novocherkassk’s History of Attacks

The Novocherkassk, a Russian landing ship, has been previously targeted by Ukrainian forces. In an attack at the Berdyansk port, under Russian control since 2022, the ship was reported to have sustained damage, and the Saratov, another Russian amphibious assault ship, was destroyed.

Lt Gen Oleshchuk likened the Novocherkassk’s situation to the sinking of the Moskva, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet’s former flagship. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky humorously commended the Ukrainian air force for contributing another vessel to Russia’s “submarine fleet” in the Black Sea.

Persistent Conflict in Crimea

Following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russian forces in Crimea have been under constant Ukrainian attack. The Ukrainian military asserts significant damage to several Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea.

Post a missile strike on the Russian Black Sea fleet’s headquarters in Sevastopol, satellite observations indicated a substantial movement of Russian naval forces from Crimea to Novorossiysk.

The recent airstrike further highlights the ongoing unrest and deep-rooted tension in the region, bringing to the forefront the protracted and intricate nature of the Russia-Ukraine military conflict.