The Ukrainian Air Force claimed to have destroyed a Russian fleet vessel in the Black Sea on December 26, 2023, as the vessel was suspected of transporting “Shaheds”, or Iranian explosive drones, AFP reports.
The Ukrainian Air Force claimed this Tuesday, December 26, to have destroyed in Crimea a vessel from the Russian fleet in the Black Sea suspected of transporting Iranian drones used by Moscow in the conflict with Kiev.
“The large landing ship Novocherkassk” was “destroyed” by air force pilots in Feodosia, in occupied Crimea, this source said on the Telegram messaging service.
“People say he was carrying Shaheds,” Iranian explosive drones widely used by Russia against Ukraine, the air force added. The attack was carried out around 2:30 a.m. (00:30 GMT) using “tactical aviation” cruise missiles, she said.
“One person was killed”
Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchouk relayed a video showing an explosion and a spray of flames. Located on the Black Sea, Feodosia is home to a major Russian naval base.
The head of the “Republic of Crimea”, Sergei Aksionov, confirmed that an attack had occurred in this locality.
“An enemy attack was carried out in the Feodossia sector. The port sector is cordoned off,” the Russian official said on Telegram, assuring that “the detonation has ended” and that “the fire is contained.”
“Unfortunately, one person was killed and two others were injured,” Sergei Aksionov said. Vladimir Putin was then informed by his Defense Minister of “damage” suffered, according to Russian agencies.
Ukraine frequently carries out strikes in Crimea, particularly targeting the Russian military. In April 2022, it sent the cruiser Moskva, the Russian flagship of the Black Sea fleet, to the bottom.
The Air Force also indicated that the country was the subject of a new night attack by Shahed drones, particularly in the Kherson and Odessa regions. Thirteen of the 19 Russian drones were intercepted, according to this source which did not report any casualties or destruction.