According to Moscow, a Ukrainian assault on the Crimean port of Feodosia resulted in damage to a significant Russian landing ship, along with one fatality. The Russian defense ministry, as reported by Interfax, claimed that Ukraine employed air-launched missiles in the attack, affecting the 'Novocherkassk' large landing ship. Constructed in Poland and commissioned in the late 1980s, the 'Novocherkassk' is specialized for amphibious landings and can transport various armored vehicles, including tanks. Videos circulated on Russian news platforms via Telegram purportedly captured explosions and fires at the port.
Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-appointed governor of Crimea, reported on Telegram that one person lost their life, two were injured, and six individuals were evacuated from their residences. Despite limited advancements in its counteroffensive and Russia regaining control in various areas, Ukraine has successfully executed multiple attacks on Crimea, the base of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, causing substantial harm.
The Ukrainian Air force asserted that its pilots launched cruise missiles around 02:30 local time, obliterating the 'Novocherkassk'. Expressing gratitude on Telegram, Mykola Oleshchuk, the commander of Ukraine's air force, acknowledged the collective effort for the meticulous operation, highlighting the diminishing size of Russia's fleet.
A statement from the Russian-appointed administration in Crimea announced a disruption in train services from Feodosia and suggested alternative nearby stations for commuters. Feodosia, with approximately 69,000 residents, is situated on the southern coast of the Crimean Peninsula.
The annexation of Crimea by Russia in 2014, a move condemned as an unlawful seizure by Kyiv and the West, continues to be a contentious issue.
