In a significant escalation of hostilities, Ukraine has successfully sunk a Russian warship, the “Ivanovets,” valued at approximately $60-70 million, off the coast of the Crimean peninsula in the Black Sea. The attack, orchestrated by Ukrainian naval drones, delivered multiple hits to the hull, causing the ship to roll sternward and eventually sink in the harbour of Lake Donuzlav.
Naval Drones: Ukraine’s Secret Weapon
The success of the attack has been attributed to the effectiveness of Ukrainian naval drones, which have proven to be a formidable asset in the ongoing conflict. The Defense Intelligence spokesperson for Kyiv emphasized the role of these drones in executing precise and impactful strikes against the Russian warship.
40 Russian Sailors Feared Lost
Shortly after the incident, the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine expressed concern that up to 40 Russian sailors could have been on board during the attack. While the Ukrainian Ministry of Defence commended the actions of its special unit “Group 13” for the successful operation, the Russian Defence Ministry and Kremlin are yet to release an official statement regarding the sinking of the warship.
Crimea Under Siege: Ukraine’s Strategic Move
The strike on the Russian warship follows a series of strategic moves by Ukraine in Crimea, with the Ukrainian Air Force launching a barrage of missiles aimed at cleansing the peninsula of Russian presence. The attack on Crimea involved 20 airborne guided missiles, met with resistance from Russian air defenses over the Black Sea. The ongoing conflict over Crimea, annexed by Russia in 2014, has intensified with Ukraine’s focus on reclaiming the region.
Internal Tensions: Zelenskyy Administration’s Military Shake-up
Amid the military actions, speculations are rife about the Zelenskyy administration considering the removal of General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, the Commander-in-Chief of Ukraine’s Armed Forces. Reports suggest tensions between President Zelenskyy and General Zaluzhnyi, stemming from differences in their approaches to the Russia-Ukraine war.
