Ukraine Strikes Russian Naval HQ in Crimea, Escalating Conflict
At least one missile launched by Ukraine has hit the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea navy in Crimea, intensifying the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The attack targeted the headquarters situated in the Crimean port of Sevastopol, as confirmed by a Russian official. Disturbing images and videos circulating on social media displayed significant plumes of smoke emerging from the annexed region’s harbor.
The governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, who was appointed by Russia, confirmed the strike, stating, At least one Ukrainian missile has struck the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea navy in the Crimean port of Sevastopol. However, he did not provide any information regarding casualties. Firefighters are diligently working to extinguish the resulting fire.
Fearing further attacks, Razvozhayev urged Sevastopol residents to stay indoors and avoid venturing into the city center. He specifically advised those in the vicinity of the fleet headquarters to seek shelter upon hearing any sirens. It appears that a substantial fire broke out at the site of the attack, with firefighters currently engaged in combating the blaze.
While Ukraine has not yet claimed responsibility for the missile strike, the origin and motivation behind the attack remain unclear.
Reports from residents of Sevastopol indicated that they heard explosions in the skies and witnessed smoke. Videos circulating on Ukrainian Telegram channels showed smoke clouds along the seafront, although their authenticity has not been independently verified.
The Russian Black Sea Fleet HQ in Russian-occupied Sevastopol is no more. This supposed to be the best protected building in all of Crimea.
The Russian air defense in Crimea has failed so epically that I hope for everyone who bought the S-400 kept the receipt for return.… pic.twitter.com/yMfcnQnRLk
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) September 22, 2023
Heavy explosion inside Russian-occupied Sevastopol. It appears that the Black Sea Headquarters has been hit.
Source: https://t.co/kMv24OXyK3#Ukraine #Crimea #Sevastopol pic.twitter.com/hzMk1yfaom
— (((Tendar))) (@Tendar) September 22, 2023
This missile strike comes after a series of Russian missile and artillery attacks on various Ukrainian cities, resulting in at least five fatalities. These incidents unfolded while Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held discussions with President Joe Biden and congressional leaders in Washington. During these talks, a potential $24 billion aid package for Ukraine was being considered.
The Russian Federation’s Black Sea Fleet’s command center in Crimean city of Sevastopol has come under attack.#ukrainecounteroffensive pic.twitter.com/qhPOF2IYl7
— War&Peace (@realpeacenotwar) September 22, 2023
Ukraine has attacked and partially destroyed the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol today as the Ukrainian air campaign in Russian-occupied Crimea continues to escalate pic.twitter.com/JBDs7NF0nU
— Business Ukraine mag (@Biz_Ukraine_Mag) September 22, 2023
The southern Kherson region experienced further shelling, leading to one fatality and one injury, according to regional Governor Oleksandr Prokudin. The city of Kherson was fraught with unrest throughout the day, with incidents including fires in residential buildings and a garage.
In the Kharkiv region, Governor Oleh Synyehubov reported over 14 settlements coming under attack. An incident in Vovchansk, in the Chuguyiv district, resulted in a damaged house and subsequent fire. Fortunately, no casualties were reported in that particular incident.
