On Tuesday, Ukraine claimed responsibility for an airstrike on Russian-controlled Crimea, targeting the port town of Feodosia and allegedly destroying a Russian Navy vessel, the Novocherkask ship. The strike, according to Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of Ukraine’s air force, resulted in the death of one person and injuries to two others. These claims were reported on the Telegram messaging app, where Oleshchuk expressed satisfaction, stating, “And the fleet in Russia is getting smaller and smaller!”
The Russian-installed governor of Crimea, Sergei Aksionov, confirmed the attack and reported a fire in the port area of Feodosia, acknowledging casualties but not specifying any military asset loss. He mentioned a prompt response from emergency services and the evacuation of residents from affected houses. Russian media outlets displayed footage of powerful explosions at the scene.
Exaggerated claims and downplaying losses have been a recurring theme in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which has persisted for 22 months. Crimea, strategically significant and forcefully annexed by Russia in 2014, remains a contentious issue. Ukraine insists on a peace deal contingent on Russia relinquishing control of Crimea.
Over the past two years, Ukraine has sporadically launched attacks on Crimea. In a notable incident in April of the previous year, Ukraine claimed to have attacked and sunk the cruiser Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Moscow attributed the incident to a “detonation of ammunition,” leading to a fire and the evacuation of the crew. The ship reportedly sank during towing to port.
Verification of the recent claims is challenging, as WION was unable to independently confirm the details. The situation adds to the complexities of an already tense and protracted conflict between the two nations.
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