This Wednesday, the Ukrainian authorities have stated that they successfully sunk a Russian Navy landing ship. The attack was initiated using unmanned boats in the waters off the Crimean peninsula, an area controversially annexed by Russia in 2014. The claim is a significant development in the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
According to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense’s Intelligence services (GUR), the targeted ship was the ‘Caesar Kunikov’, a vessel belonging to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The information was divulged in a message posted on their official Facebook account. They branded Russia as the “aggressor state”, pointing out the tension in relations between the two nations.
The GUR’s special forces, specifically Group 13, were credited with the successful mission. They reported that the ‘Caesar Kunikov’ sustained severe damage to its left side, causing it to start sinking. The authorities added a symbolic note, pointing out that the Russian officer, after whom the ship was named, died exactly 81 years ago.
The Ukrainian authorities further highlighted that the ‘Caesar Kunikov’ is one of the newest Russian ships. They also implied that the ship had a controversial history, stating that it was previously used by what they referred to as “Moscow terrorists” in wars against Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine.
The Russian authorities have yet to comment on these claims. However, according to a statement from the Russian Ministry of Defense on Telegram, they have destroyed nine drones launched by Ukraine in recent hours. This includes six drones that were over the Black Sea waters.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces have reportedly been successful in sinking or severely damaging several Russian ships in recent times. This includes the corvette ‘Ivanovets’, which was destroyed in a Ukrainian attack on February 1 off the Crimean coast. In addition, the amphibious assault ship ‘Novocherkask’ was reportedly destroyed in December, joining the ‘Saratov’ and ‘Minsk’.
The Crimean peninsula, which houses a Russian Navy base, is a notable target for the Ukrainian forces. They have been using unmanned aircraft and missiles to strike Russian targets within the peninsula. This is part of the invasion initiated in February 2022 by the Russian President, Vladimir Putin.
