Ukraine has reported that it successfully targeted two Russian naval vessels, a communications center, and various other facilities of the Black Sea Fleet during a significant attack on the Crimean port of Sevastopol overnight.
Russian defense officials have not responded to the incident yet, but Russian politician and Sevastopol governor Mikhail Razvozhayev did acknowledge on his Telegram channel that it was the largest attack in recent history.
A video shared on a local Telegram channel captures several big explosions happening in the city, sending fireballs and thick black smoke into the sky. In the distance, another fireball can be observed.
According to Ukraine, the ships that were hit are the Yamal and the Azov, which are two amphibious landing vessels. The full extent of the damage caused by the explosions is currently unknown.
Ukrainian air force commander Mykola Oleshchuk praised the attacks on social media, expressing gratitude to the pilots and navy for their successful combat work. He declared, "The sky and the sea are of the same color! Crimea is ours! To the victory together!"
Razvozhayev, not mentioning any specific military targets, reported that one person had died in the attack. He mentioned that maritime and ground transportation in the city had suffered partial damage.
Russian military bloggers in Crimea have reported that Ukrainian forces have allegedly targeted sites in various locations on the peninsular. This includes areas in the west and the center, such as Hvardiiske, located just north of the administrative center, Simferopol. Some users have shared videos on a local Telegram channel, indicating that an oil depot in Hvardiiske may have been attacked.
CNN has not been able to verify the recent claims made by either side.
Kyiv’s forces have been successful in targeting Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, disabling or destroying more than 20 Russian naval vessels, which is a third of the fleet. Despite Ukraine having a limited navy, their use of technological innovation, audacity, and Russian incompetence have given them an advantage in the Black Sea region. In October of last year, satellite images showed that Russia moved some of its naval ships away from Sevastopol following Ukrainian attacks.
If the strikes on the Yamal and Azov on Sunday are confirmed, it would probably indicate that Russia now has only three operational landing ships remaining in the Black Sea. According to Ukraine, Moscow started the full-scale invasion with 13 of these vessels.
In September, a missile attack by Ukraine also resulted in the destruction of the fleet's headquarters in Sevastopol.
For Ukraine, the situation is not only about military matters, but also has economic implications. By securing a shipping route from Odesa and other ports to the Bosphorus Strait, Ukraine is able to export grain and other goods to global markets.
Previous reports were provided by Tim Lister, Anna Chernova, Victoria Butenko, Gianluca Mezzofiore, Maria Kostenko, and Paul Murphy.
Editor's P/S:
The Ukrainian attacks on the Crimean port of Sevastopol underscore the ongoing conflict and the evolving dynamics of the Black Sea region. Ukraine's
