Ukraine Strikes Russian Submarine in Crimean Peninsula
In a significant military operation, Ukraine has reportedly attacked and destroyed a Russian submarine anchored at a port in the occupied Crimean peninsula. The submarine, identified as the Rostov-on-Don, a Kilo-class attack vessel commissioned in 2014, sank following a missile attack on the port city of Sevastopol, according to Ukraine’s military officials.
The Rostov-on-Don was among four submarines in Russia’s Black Sea fleet capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles. The Russian defense ministry has not provided any comment regarding the incident. Ukrainian sources also stated that the missile strike obliterated four S-400 air defense systems defending the peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014.
British intelligence indicated last September that the Rostov-on-Don "likely suffered catastrophic damage" during a missile strike at a Sevastopol shipyard while undergoing repairs. Ukraine’s military recognized that Russia had previously rehabilitated the vessel, which was recently engaged in test activities near Sevastopol, and valued it at approximately $300 million.
"The destruction of the Rostov-on-Don underscores that there is no secure haven for the Russian fleet within the Black Sea’s Ukrainian territorial waters," stated Ukraine’s general staff in an official announcement. This incident marks yet another strike against Russian naval forces in Sevastopol, following previous reports of attacks that have impacted multiple landing ships and patrol vessels in the past months.
Since the onset of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian Navy has encountered severe challenges, with Ukrainian forces claiming to have damaged or sunk at least 15 warships, including the flagship of the Black Sea fleet, the Moskva.
Recent developments showcased Ukraine’s military assertiveness, as it was reported that Russia had to withdraw all its naval assets from the Sea of Azov to prevent further strikes. Additionally, Russia’s internal security service recently claimed to have thwarted a Ukrainian attempt to target its last operational aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, which has been under repair since 2018.
In parallel, Ukrainian drones successfully struck critical military infrastructure in Russia, including the Morozovsk airfield and oil depots situated in the Rostov, Kursk, and Belgorod regions. Local authorities have declared a state of emergency in response to the attacks.
The escalation in hostilities follows Russia’s extensive aerial bombardments on Ukraine, utilizing over 600 guided bombs in a recent week. President Volodymyr Zelensky emphasized the need for Ukraine to prevent Russian aircraft from launching attacks by targeting their bases, deeming such actions as justifiable.
Amid these developments, reports emerged concerning the arrival of F-16 fighter jets in Ukraine, further enhancing the nation’s air defense capabilities. President Zelensky views these jets as vital in bolstering Ukraine’s defense strategy against ongoing Russian aggression, as Moscow’s forces continue to gain ground in eastern Ukraine.
