The recent attack by Ukrainian forces on occupied Crimea may have far-reaching consequences for the Russian Black Sea Fleet. A newly built Russian corvette was damaged, which British defense intelligence said could prompt Russia to move its fleet further from the line of contact. This incident, considered Ukraine’s furthest attack on Crimea to date, took place at the Zaliv shipyard in Kerch, as “Ukrainian Pravda“ reported.

Strategic measures against Russia

It is believed that Crimea’s shipbuilding infrastructure was targeted by Ukraine to make it difficult for Russia to replenish new ships. The attack occurred on November 4, 2023, causing explosions in Crimea and triggering an airstrike warning. The KARAKURST-class corvette Askold, introduced in 2021, had not yet entered service, but there is evidence that it suffered significant damage. This incident could serve as a catalyst for a strategic repositioning of Russia’s naval capabilities, Ukrainska Pravda reported.

Ukrainian Air Force attacks

General Mykola Oleshchuk, commander of the Ukrainian Air Force, stated that Ukrainian pilots carried out attacks on the shipyard. Although it was initially unclear whether a ship had been destroyed, the Russian Defense Ministry later confirmed damage to a Black Sea Fleet ship. Ukrainian forces sank one of the fleet’s most advanced cruise missile carriers, Oleshchuk said on the morning of November 5th. Satellite images and photos published online confirm the damage to the Askold missile carrier, supporting Ukrainska Pravda’s reports.

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