In the occupied Crimea, Ukrainian armed forces announced a successful attack on a Russian submarine that was anchored at one of its ports. The vessel, known as Rostov-on-Don, is a 2014-built kilo-class attack submarine. And was hit by a missile somewhere in Sevastopol last Friday. This event led to the sinking of the submarine according to Ukraine’s general staff.
Effects and Aftermath Ukrainian
The Rostov-on-Don belonged to the four submarines owned by Russia’s Black Sea Fleet that could fire Kalibr cruise missiles. No comments have been received from Russia’s ministry of defense regarding this incident. Also, the assault is said to have damaged four S-400 anti-aircraft missile systems that were protecting Crimea. Which it captured illegally in 2014.
Previous Losses and Delays Ukrainian
Last September UK intelligence officials noted that Rostov-on-Don “probably suffered catastrophic damage” after being attacked by a missile. While being repaired at one of Sevastopol’s shipyards. The vessel had recently finished its tests near Sevastopol after repairing. It as stated by Ukrainian military. It cost $300m (£233m).
Kyiv Statements
Rostov-on-Don sank in territorial waters of Ukraine’s Black Sea coast therefore proving there is no safe place for Russian ships there, emphasized Ukraine’s general staff. This incident is one in many cases where Russian naval forces have come under attack in Sevastopol. Just within March this year Ukraine claimed at least three hits on port city ships: two landing boats and one patrol boat.
Bigger Setbacks for Russian Navy
Russia has experienced significant setbacks since beginning its unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. At least fifteen times, including flagship Moskva belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, Kyiv claims it heavily damaged or sunk Russian warships. Moscow had to withdraw all its naval assets from Azov Sea after its vessels were repeatedly hit, Ukrainian military recently announced.
Unsuccessful Plot and Drones
Ukraine’s security service revealed that Russia had foiled a plot by Ukraine to destroy Admiral Kuznetsov – the last remaining carrier of the Russian fleet which has been undergoing repairs since 2018. Concurrently, Ukrainian drones attacked a major airfield and oil depots in Russia. The Morozovsk airfield, which contains a number of guided bombs, experienced powerful explosions and fires leading to emergency mode being declared by local authorities.
Counterattacks and International Alliances
According to President Volodymyr Zelensky, these attacks were carried out in response to Russia firing more than 600 guided air bombs into Ukraine within one week. He argues that there is need to stop it from using Russian planes for such attacks hence justify hitting Russian airfields “quite fair”. Although neighboring countries are reluctant to allow western weapons used inside Russia, the US has recently authorized some border areas to be targeted by Kyiv.
F-16 Fighter Jets Arrive
Lithuania’s foreign minister recently announced that F-16 fighter jets were being delivered to Ukraine for the first time this week. These aircraft are central to Ukraine’s plans for defending its airspace according to President Zelensky. Who also noted that NATO allies have pledged them long ago. Six Dutch-donated jets have reportedly landed as reported by The Times but Dutch defense officials denied this claim.
Changes on Frontlines
It is hoped in Kyiv that the presence of fighter jets will halt Russian advancement in this area. Where Moscow’s forces have made steady progress over several weeks now in eastern part of the country.
