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In a significant setback for the Russian navy, a Ukrainian air strike has inflicted damage on a warship docked in the occupied Crimean port of Feodosia. The Kremlin, confirming the incident on Tuesday, acknowledged the impact on the Novocherkassk landing ship, a development labeled as a major blow by Ukraine and its Western allies.
President Volodymyr Zelensky, taking to social media, humorously remarked that the vessel had now become a part of the "Russian underwater Black Sea fleet," underscoring the gravity of the attack. The Ukrainian air force claimed responsibility for the destruction of the warship.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu briefed President Vladimir Putin about the extent of the damage in a comprehensive report, according to Dmitry Peskov, the president's spokesperson. The acknowledgment of the incident by the Kremlin adds a layer of transparency to a tense situation.
Russia's defence ministry revealed that the Novocherkassk landing ship sustained damage from guided aerial missiles, shedding light on the nature of the assault. The admission of the attack's details reflects the increasing challenges faced by the Russian military in the region.
The incident escalates tensions between Ukraine and Russia, with the latter occupying Crimea since 2014. The damaged warship represents a tangible blow to Russia's naval capabilities, prompting a reassessment of the strategic landscape in the Black Sea. As both nations navigate this latest development, the international community closely watches the evolving dynamics in the region.
