Ukrainian forces have reportedly struck and “significantly damaged” a new Russian missile carrier, the corvette Askold, at the Zaliv shipyard in Crimea before it could join the Black Sea Fleet. Russia’s Ministry of Defense acknowledged damage to a ship following a Ukrainian missile barrage but claimed to have intercepted most of the missiles. The attack hints at the use of advanced Western-supplied missiles by Ukraine and underscores the ongoing strategic significance of the Black Sea Fleet in the conflict.
Key Points:
- The Ukrainian military claims to have targeted and damaged a new Russian missile carrier, which is believed to be the Askold, at the Zaliv shipyard in Crimea.
- The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the incident, stating that out of 15 Ukrainian missiles aimed at the shipyard, 13 were shot down.
- The Askold was reported to be capable of carrying Kalibr cruise missiles with a range over 1,500 miles, and it was under testing to join the Russian Black Sea Fleet this year.
- Satellite images suggest that the Askold is still afloat but has sustained significant damage to its upper structure.
- The strike is part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to target Russian naval capabilities in the Black Sea, which have been used by Russia to launch missile attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure.
