KYIV, Ukraine – In a recent incident, the Ukrainian Navy reportedly struck a ship in occupied Sevastopol, resulting in damage to the Kommuna, a salvage ship. The extent of the damage remains unclear. The incident occurred amidst ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia in the region.
According to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, the strike on the Russian vessel was confirmed on April 21. This development comes as Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, continues to be targeted by Ukrainian missile and sea drone strikes.
In response to the Ukrainian actions, Russia has begun constructing barriers at the entrance to Sevastopol Bay to prevent further strikes on its Black Sea fleet. Additionally, efforts are being made to strengthen the defense of the Novorossiysk port, where the Black Sea fleet was redeployed from Sevastopol last year.
The Kommuna, launched in 1915, is the oldest ship still in service in the Russian Navy. The region of Sevastopol has been a focal point of tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with both sides engaging in military actions to assert control over the strategic area.
Despite claims of repelling anti-ship missiles and quickly extinguishing fires, unverified videos circulating on social media show a Russian naval vessel on fire. Local reports also mention the closure of the Crimea bridge in response to the escalating situation in Sevastopol.
It’s worth noting that Russia had reportedly withdrawn major ships from ports in occupied Crimea following successful Ukrainian strikes. The ongoing conflict in the region underscores the volatility and complexity of the geopolitical landscape in Eastern Europe.