By The newspaper
Dec 26, 2023, 16:47 PM EST
On Tuesday morning, Ukrainian aircraft attacked the Russian-occupied port of Feodosia in Crimea, attacking the large landing ship Novocherkassk with guided missiles.
This aggressive movement caused significant damage to the warship and, according to the BBC, caused one death and several injuries, in addition to damaging nearby buildings.
The attack is a new escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia and signifies Ukraine’s growing assertiveness in attacking key Russian military assets.
A video posted on several social media profiles, especially from accounts that closely follow the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, captured the alleged moment in which Ukrainian forces blew up Novocherkassk.
#Last minute
The Ukrainian military has just blown up the Russian landing ship Novocherkassk.
If there was a full crew on the ship, it is likely that dozens of Russian sailors would have died. pic.twitter.com/TakzfyRNb8
— UKR 24 News (@UKR_token) December 26, 2023
Strategic implications of the Ukraine attack
The Novocherkassk, suspected of carrying soldiers, equipment and possibly Iranian-made Shahed drones, is a critical asset for Russia’s military operations in the region.
The attack not only hampered Russia’s ability to supply troops, but also sent a strong message about Ukraine’s ability and determination to defend its sovereignty.
With the Kerch Bridge already compromised, Russia faces increasing logistical challenges, making the loss of the Novocherkassk even more significant. Experts and officials are analyzing the possible long-term impacts of this attack on the front lines and Russia’s broader military strategy.
Ongoing naval battles and the challenge of Ukraine
This attack is not the first time Novocherkassk has been attacked, nor is it the first significant loss for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The Ukrainian military claims to have destroyed and damaged multiple Russian ships since the start of the war, gradually eroding Russia’s naval dominance.
Meanwhile, Ukraine continues to deny Russian claims that it shot down its planes and seized key territories. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s defiant comments underscore the nation’s determination to reclaim its territories and disrupt Russian operations at every opportunity.
“The occupiers will not have a single peaceful place in Ukraine,” he said.
It may be recalled that Russia seized and annexed the Crimean peninsula from Ukraine in 2014 and its forces stationed there played a key role in the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
military defense of Ukraine
It is worth mentioning that on the night of December 25, the Ukrainian defense forces shot down 28 of the 31 Shahed attack drones and two missiles launched by Russia, in addition to two Russian fighters, as reported this Monday by the Air Force in a statement.
“On the night of December 25, the enemy attacked with 31 unmanned aerial vehicles of the ‘Shahed’ type from the areas of Chauda, Balaklava (Crimea) and with two aviation missiles,” the Ukrainian Air Force said in a statement in Telegram.
The recent Ukrainian airstrike against Novocherkassk in the port of Feodosiya is a significant escalation in the Black Sea conflict, reflecting Ukraine’s growing offensive capabilities and strategic resolve.
As Russia faces increasing challenges in supplying its troops and maintaining its naval presence in the region, the global community is closely watching how this escalated conflict will play out and what it means for the future of the war in Ukraine.
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