In a recent development, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported the sinking of a Russian warship off Crimea’s coast, marking a retaliatory move following Russia’s Black Sea Fleet being targeted in a “massive” missile attack on the occupied peninsula. The guided-missile ship, identified as the “Ivanovets,” faced multiple hits to its hull and ultimately sank in Lake Donuzlav, as confirmed by Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence.
Ukraine supplied night-time footage displaying naval drones swiftly approaching the Russian ship, causing explosive impacts and significant damage. While the video shows the vessel sinking, CNN could not independently verify the claims, and the specific time and ship targeted remain unclear.
This incident is the latest in a series of strikes by Ukraine on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, strategically aimed at both symbolically and strategically impacting Russian forces that annexed Crimea in 2014. The objective behind these strikes is to isolate the peninsula and create difficulties for Russia in sustaining military operations on the Ukrainian mainland, where front lines have remained largely static for months.
Notably, Ukraine had previously targeted the Moskva in April 2022, prompting Russia to alter its operational strategies near areas controlled by Ukraine. The Moskva had gained notoriety after threatening to bomb Snake Island in the Black Sea if Ukrainian soldiers defending it didn’t surrender, eliciting a defiant response from the soldiers.
The sinking of the Ivanovets occurred after Ukraine launched a missile barrage at Crimea, characterized by Ukraine’s Air Force Commander as part of “the cleansing of Crimea from the Russian presence.” Twenty airborne guided missiles were launched, with Russian air defenses intercepting 17 over the Black Sea and three over the peninsula. The Belbek airfield near Sevastopol faced several interceptions, with debris damaging buildings, though no injuries were reported.
As tensions rise, there is speculation regarding the possible removal of Ukraine’s Armed Forces Commander, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, amid growing tensions with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The situation remains dynamic, with both sides presenting conflicting narratives.