News by AUN News correspondent
Wednesday, September 13, 2023
AUN News – ISSN: 2949-8090

Summary:

• In a bold predawn operation, Ukraine targeted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, in what is the most significant attack since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 19 months ago.
• The attack damaged two ships and ignited a massive fire at a vital naval shipyard. This audacious move underscores Ukraine’s growing ability to strike deep into Russian-held territory, challenging Moscow’s dominance in Crimea.
• While Russia initially remained silent, social media images and official acknowledgments confirmed the strike’s impact.
• The attack’s success and the damage inflicted on the Russian fleet signal a turning point in the protracted conflict between the two nations, with implications for the entire region.

Ukraine Launches Bold Attack on Russian Naval Headquarters

In a daring pre-dawn raid on Wednesday, Ukraine struck a significant blow to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet by targeting the naval headquarters in Crimea. The attack, which damaged two ships and ignited a massive blaze at a crucial naval shipyard, marks a bold escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. Let’s break down the dramatic events in this headline-grabbing incident.

The Attack: A Bold and Unprecedented Move

In the predawn darkness of that fateful Wednesday, Ukraine unleashed a daring assault that shook the foundations of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Targeting the very nerve center of Russian naval might in the occupied city of Sevastopol, this audacious strike stands as a stark reminder of Ukraine’s unwavering determination and its ever-growing prowess on the battlefield.

This assault is not just another skirmish in the ongoing conflict; it is a seismic event that reverberates through the geopolitical landscape. The magnitude of this operation is unparalleled since Russia’s aggressive invasion of Ukraine nearly 19 months ago. It’s a powerful statement from Ukraine, a declaration that it can penetrate deep into Russian-held territory, challenging Moscow’s iron grip on Crimea.

Picture the scene: under the cover of darkness, Ukrainian forces launched an attack that would echo through history. It was a calculated risk, a high-stakes gamble that paid off. By striking the very heart of Russia’s naval power in Crimea, Ukraine sent shockwaves not only through the Black Sea but also through diplomatic circles around the globe.

The audacity of this move underscores Ukraine’s determination to stand its ground and defend its sovereignty against an imposing adversary. It demonstrates an undeniable evolution in Ukraine’s military capabilities, an evolution that has matured into a formidable force. No longer content with playing defense, Ukraine has shown that it can strike where it hurts most, sending an unequivocal message to Russia: the stakes have been raised, and the game is far from over.

Russian Response

The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed the attack, revealing that Ukraine had fired ten cruise missiles at the Sevastopol facility. Russian air defense systems were able to intercept seven of these missiles. Three maritime drones operated by Ukraine simultaneously targeted a Russian warship in the Black Sea, and the patrol ship Vasily Bykov destroyed all of them.

Social media evidence

Moscow initially remained tight-lipped about the attack but was forced to acknowledge it after local residents posted images of explosions and raging fires in the shipyard on social media. Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Russian-backed governor of Crimea, even shared a photo showing damage to a large landing ship, further confirming the assault.

Ukraine’s Statement

While it remains unclear which weapons Ukraine deployed in the assault, Lt. Gen. Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, hinted at an airstrike. He expressed gratitude to his pilots for their “excellent combat work” and cryptically added, “To be continued…”

Ukraine’s Strategy

Mykhailo Podolyak, a senior presidential adviser, suggested that the only way to secure vital trade routes through the Black Sea was by strengthening Ukraine’s armed forces. He emphasized the need to expand their arsenal, hinting at the effectiveness of this strategy in Sevastopol.

Damage Assessment

Reports indicate that the attack damaged an improved Kilo-class attack submarine, the Rostov-on-Don, and a Ropucha-class landing ship, the Minsk. While these reports are yet to be independently confirmed, Russian officials have confirmed damage to two ships that were in dry dock.

Recent Developments

This attack follows closely on the heels of Ukraine’s successful retaking of several oil and gas drilling platforms on the Black Sea, which had been under Russian control since 2015. These platforms were crucial for Russia’s ability to project power in the region.

Black Sea Escalation

The situation in the Black Sea has escalated significantly, with Russia withdrawing from a crucial deal in July, disrupting grain exports from Ukrainian ports. The Kremlin subsequently increased attacks on Ukrainian ports, grain facilities, and civilian infrastructure.

Crimea’s Vital Role

Crimea, home to Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet and several military installations, plays a pivotal role in Russia’s war effort in Ukraine. The conflict hinges on limiting the flow of weapons and supplies from Russia through Crimea to Russian occupation forces in southern Ukraine.

As tensions continue to rise in the Black Sea, the world watches closely, wondering whether this bold Ukrainian attack will mark a turning point in the protracted conflict between these two nations.