Ukraine Claims Victory Over Russian Navy in Feodossiya
In a surprising turn of events, Ukraine's air force claims to have taken down a significant Russian naval vessel in the city of Feodossiya, Crimea. The commander of the Ukrainian air force, Mykola Oleshchuk, announced via Telegram that the Novocherkask landing ship was destroyed in an airstrike.
The destroyed vessel was allegedly carrying Iranian drones, according to Oleshchuk. He added, "The Russian fleet is getting smaller and smaller! Thanks to the air force pilots and everyone involved for their delicate work." However, Oleshchuk failed to provide any concrete evidence to support his claim.
The attack was confirmed by Sergei Aksyonov, the administrative head of the peninsula appointed by Russia. He explained on Telegram that the Ukrainian attack resulted in a fire in the city's port area, which was swiftly contained. Aksyonov also mentioned that residents of several houses were evacuated due to the incident.
Images published by several Russian news agencies depict heavy explosions and fires over a port area in Feodossiya. The extent of the damage to the Novocherkask landing ship is yet to be officially confirmed.
Meanwhile, Russia has retaliated against Ukraine using kamikaze drones. Overnight attacks on numerous regions, including Mykolaiv and Krivyi Rih in the south, as well as other central Ukrainian regions, were reported. Ukrainian media reported numerous explosions caused by the use of air defense.
Context
Ukraine was responsible for the sinking of the Moskva, a Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship, during April 2022, reportedly humiliating Moscow. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has seen both sides employing drones in their attacks.
Enrichment Insights
Although Oleshchuk claimed that the Novocherkassk was carrying Iranian drones, the latest information does not mention this. Instead, it suggests that Ukrainian forces used air-launched cruise missiles to attack the Novocherkassk, a major Russian landing craft docked in Feodosia, southern Crimea, on December 26, 2023. The attack resulted in multiple explosions and fires, making it unlikely for the ship to return to service.
Sources:
- [Unnamed Source] (Privately Sourced)
- [Unnamed Source] (Privately Sourced)
