Tensions between Russia and Ukraine have escalated further as a Russian naval ship, the Novocherkassk, was damaged in an air strike by Ukrainian forces in the city of Feodosia, Crimea. According to Russia’s Defence Ministry, the landing ship was hit by plane-launched guided missiles, while two Ukrainian fighter jets were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire during the attack. The incident comes amid growing concerns about battlefield disappointments and the future of Western aid for Ukraine’s war effort.
The Russian-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, reported that one person was killed in the attack, while Ukrainian air force Commander Mykola Oleschuk mocked Russia’s military capabilities, saying that the Russian fleet has become smaller and urging Russians to leave Crimea while it’s not too late. The Ukraine has been conducting attacks around Crimea, mostly using sea drones, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy claims that these attacks have allowed Ukraine to restore navigation in the Black Sea and export millions of tons of grain.
Vladimir Putin (Via Vladimir Putin/Twitter)
The attacks on Crimea have been ongoing for months, with Ukraine’s military southern command spokeswoman, Nataliya Gumenyuk, stating that landing ships like the Novocherkassk are used by Russia as logistics facilities and transportation of important cargo. The Novocherkassk was previously damaged in an attack in March last year, but Ukrainian air force spokesperson Yurii Ihnat reported that the ship had been recently used to transport weapons and soldiers to the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Ukrainian air force’s morning update on Tuesday reported that Russia had launched 19 drones, mostly against the Odesa and Mykolaiv regions, with 13 of them being shot down. While infrastructure damage was reported, no casualties were reported. Russia’s Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu briefed President Vladimir Putin about the attack, but details were not reported. Shoigu did, however, tout Russian accomplishments in the war this year, claiming that the main efforts were focused on achieving the goals of the special military operation, including disrupting Ukraine’s counter-offensive.
The attack comes as battlefield disappointments and political disputes in allied countries have left billions of dollars of aid in doubt. Despite high hopes for a summer counter-offensive, the front line has barely moved, leaving Ukraine’s war effort uncertain. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and military actions between Russia and Ukraine, and the potential consequences for the ongoing conflict.
