The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has reached new heights, with both sides accusing each other of committing war crimes and exchanging military blows. The latest development in the ongoing war is the missile strike on the Crimean headquarters of Russia’s navy, which killed 34 officers, including the fleet commander, according to Ukraine. However, Russia has denied the claim, saying only one serviceman was killed, and later changed its statement to say the person was missing.
The attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in the port city of Sevastopol is the latest in a series of military strikes between the two sides. Ukraine’s Special Operation Forces said the strike wounded 105 people, while Russia has not provided any further updates. The Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, has been a frequent target since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine 20 months ago.
The International Institute for the Study of War reports that Ukraine has been targeting naval facilities in Crimea in recent weeks while making slow gains in the east and south of Ukraine. The Institute also notes that the summer counteroffensive by Ukraine has been slow-going, except for recent successes.
Ukraine’s military has also announced that it conducted 12 strikes on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters, targeting areas where personnel, military equipment, and weapons were concentrated. The strikes hit two anti-aircraft missile systems and four Russian artillery units.
Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky (Via Volodymyr Zelensky/Twitter)
In addition to the attack on the naval headquarters, Russia launched a drone and missile strike near Odesa, damaging infrastructure, a grain silo, and an abandoned hotel. The attack killed one person and injured several others. Ukrainians have reported downing all Russian drones launched overnight, but one of 12 Kalibr missiles and two P-800 Oniks cruise missiles made it past air defenses.
The Russian Defence Ministry has reported that its forces have been targeting port and grain storage facilities in Odesa, citing the presence of foreign mercenaries and trained saboteurs. However, the locations and specifics of these attacks have not been provided.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in numerous war crimes and human rights violations, with the UN Independent Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine finding evidence of crimes committed by both sides, but far more by Russian forces. The Commission has also been investigating allegations that Russian forces have committed genocide.
As tensions continue to escalate, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has welcomed the arrival of the first Abrams tanks sent by the US, which are expected to play a key role in Ukraine’s slow-moving summer counteroffensive. The US has announced it will be sending 31 tanks to Ukraine.
The Russian Ministry of Defence has reported that its forces have been targeting Ukrainian drones, downing three over the Kursk region of Russia and three others over the Bryansk region.
