Daily Times

In the aftermath of overnight cruise missile strikes conducted by Ukrainian forces in the Black Sea, a Russian landing warship in Feodosia bore the brunt, resulting in the unfortunate loss of at least one life and injuries to five individuals. Interfax news agency reported this development, and President Vladimir Putin was promptly briefed on the unfolding situation during Christmas Eve. The Russian media outlined that the Ukrainian forces employed air-launched missiles in their assault on the Crimean port of Feodosia. Minister Sergei Shoigu kept President Putin apprised of the details of the Ukrainian attack.

Yuriy Ihnat, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Air Force, conveyed to Radio Free Europe his assessment that the damaged Novocherkassk, a vessel capable of transporting tanks and troops, might face challenges returning to active service. The intensity of the explosion, described as a detonation of munitions rather than a rocket impact, was highlighted by Ihnat, raising doubts about the ship’s survivability. He also noted that Ukraine utilized cruise missiles in the attack, although the specific type was not specified. These weapons were reportedly provided to Ukraine by Britain and France.

In the military engagement between the conflicting forces, Russian anti-aircraft weaponry reportedly downed two Ukrainian Su-24 jets in the vicinity of the city of Mykolai, according to Moscow’s official statement. Following the missile strikes, a significant contingent of approximately 250 rescue workers responded to manage the aftermath.

Landing ships, crucial for transporting large military cargoes and deploying land forces during operations, play a pivotal role in military strategies. The damaged Novocherkassk had the capacity to carry 10 main battle tanks and 340 troops. This incident echoes a similar attack in September on a military dock in Sevastopol, where the Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarine Rostov-on-Don and the Ropucha-class landing ship Minsk suffered damage.

In a separate development earlier this week, Russia asserted control over the strategic Ukrainian city of Maryinka in the Donetsk People’s Republic, marking a significant shift in the dynamics of the ongoing conflict between the warring parties.