In Sevastopol, Ukraine, tensions escalated as the Ukrainian Navy struck a Russian ship, the Kommuna, a salvage vessel, prompting concerns about the extent of the damage incurred. The incident, which took place in the occupied territory, was confirmed by Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s Navy, adding to the ongoing conflict between the two nations.
Earlier reports from a Russian proxy official claimed that an anti-ship missile attack had been thwarted in Sevastopol, leading to a minor fire on the vessel that was promptly extinguished. Social media footage depicting a Russian naval ship on fire circulated as local media reported the closure of the Crimea bridge, heightening the situation.
The Kommuna, dating back to 1915, holds the distinction of being the oldest ship still in service within the Russian Navy, making it a significant target in the area. Sevastopol, a key location for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, has been a recurrent target for Ukrainian military strikes, including missile and sea drone attacks.
Recent developments indicated that Russia had withdrawn a significant number of its major vessels from Crimean ports following successful Ukrainian offensive operations, potentially indicating a shift in tactics amidst escalating hostilities. Concerns over further attacks led to Russian forces in Crimea constructing barriers at the entrance to Sevastopol Bay as a defensive measure against potential incursions.
Furthermore, efforts to bolster defenses at the Novorossiysk port, where a portion of the Black Sea fleet had been relocated from Sevastopol, underscored the strategic maneuvers taking place in the region. These developments reflect the intricate power dynamics and military strategies at play in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia in the Black Sea area.