Ukraine Strikes Russian Ships and Air Defense in Crimea
In a significant development in the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict, Ukraine has reportedly carried out successful attacks against Russian naval targets and infrastructure in the occupied Crimea, significantly impacting Russian naval capabilities.
The Shipyard Strike
The shipyard strike in Kerch, Crimea, on December 25, 2023, marked a significant event in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. Ukrainian forces launched a major air attack on the Zaliv shipyard, a vital location for the construction and repair of Russian naval vessels in the Black Sea fleet. This strike resulted in substantial damage to Russian naval assets, including the large landing ship Novocherkassk, which was believed to be carrying Iranian-made explosive drones used by Russia against Ukraine.
The attack on the shipyard in Kerch was part of Ukraine’s increased efforts to target strategic locations in Crimea, a peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The Ukrainian Air Force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, acknowledged the strike, emphasizing its success in reducing the Russian fleet’s capabilities. He shared a video showing significant explosions and a massive cloud of smoke at the Feodosia naval base, illustrating the magnitude of the attack.
The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the Novocherkassk was damaged, with one person killed and two injured in the attack. The ministry did not provide detailed information about the ship’s identity or the full extent of the damage. However, Oleshchuk mentioned that at the time of the attack, one of the most modern ships in Russia’s Black Sea fleet was present at the shipyard. This ship was reported to be a carrier of advanced Kalibr cruise missiles.
The Air Defense Strike
Following the shipyard strike in Crimea, Ukraine also claimed to have targeted and destroyed an S-400 air defense system near Yevpatoriya on Crimea’s south-west coast. The S-400 is one of the most advanced air defense systems in the world, boasting a considerable range and the capability to intercept and destroy various aerial targets. Its destruction would signify a major setback to Russian military capabilities in the region.
This action by the Ukrainian military not only demonstrates their increasing range and capabilities but also possibly reflects the impact of advanced weapons supplied by Western allies. These developments are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to challenge Russian military assets in Crimea and assert its resilience against the ongoing Russian aggression.
The Ukrainian Air Force’s actions in Crimea, including the targeting of the S-400 system, show a significant advancement in their operational capabilities, likely bolstered by Western military support. This escalation in military actions underscores the ongoing volatility in the region and the dynamic nature of the conflict, with both sides adapting and responding to each other’s moves.
