Ukraine Strikes Russian Shipyard in Crimea, Diminishing Moscow’s Military Capabilities
In a significant move that could have far-reaching consequences, Ukraine has carried out a targeted strike on a Russian shipyard in the Crimean city of Kerch. The attack resulted in the damage of one ship, according to a statement from the Russian defense ministry. This strike has the potential to further weaken Moscow’s military capabilities, particularly its striking power.
The Russian defense ministry reported that out of the 15 cruise missiles launched by Ukraine, thirteen were successfully destroyed in midair, while one missile struck a ship. However, the ministry did not disclose the name of the damaged vessel. According to Ukraine’s top Air Force commander, the shipyard housed one of Russia’s most advanced ships, equipped with the Kalibr cruise missile. It is worth noting that Moscow has frequently employed Kalibr missiles during the ongoing 20-month-long conflict with Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Air Force commander, Mykola Oleshchuk, expressed his hopes that the strike had dealt a significant blow to the Russian Navy, referring to the sinking of the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship, the Moskva, by Ukrainian missiles on April 14, 2022.
While the Russian and Ukrainian statements regarding the attack on the shipyard remain unverified, as do various social media posts depicting missile activity and the ensuing fire and smoke, it is crucial to consider the potential consequences of this strike.
Ukraine’s President, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, asserted that this attack has enhanced Ukraine’s ability to target warships and limit Russian surveillance in the Black Sea, thereby impeding Russia’s war efforts. Additionally, it allows Ukraine to secure a vital shipping route for exporting its grain.
Crimea’s Russian-installed head, Sergei Aksyonov, stated that there were no casualties resulting from the attack on the Kerch shipyard. It should be noted that Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine in 2014, an action that received significant international condemnation.
According to Ukrainian war monitoring channels, the attack allegedly inflicted damage on a small Russian cruise missile carrier called the Askold. However, these reports remain unverified. Back in September, the Russian defense ministry had previously announced that the Askold, a ship belonging to the Black Sea Fleet, was engaged in targeting Ukrainian assets in the waters off Crimea. Russian state media had also reported that the ship, armed with the Kalibr and Pantsir missile systems, was expected to be operational by the second half of 2023.
As tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to escalate, it is clear that such strikes pose a significant challenge to Moscow’s military capabilities. However, the long-term impact of this attack remains uncertain. The international community will undoubtedly monitor the situation closely for any potential developments that could further exacerbate the ongoing conflict in the region.
