+1 russian ship was upgraded to a submarine.
The Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with the units of the @DI_Ukraine, destroyed the Caesar Kunikov large landing ship.
At the time of the attack, the ship was in the territorial waters of Ukraine, near Alupka.Black Sea fish… pic.twitter.com/BTyVRibUUl
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 14, 2024
Ukraine Claims to Have Sunk Russian Ship in Black Sea
The Ukrainian military has announced that it sank a large Russian landing ship in the Black Sea near occupied Crimea. The ship, named Caesar Kunikov, was reportedly attacked by Ukrainian maritime strike drones and sunk 2.5 miles off the coast of Alupka. The Russian government has not yet confirmed the incident.
Ukraine’s Defense Ministry Statement
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry released a statement on Twitter, saying, “The Armed Forces of Ukraine, together with the units of the defense intelligence, destroyed the Caesar Kunikov large landing ship. At the time of the attack, the ship was in the territorial waters of Ukraine, near Alupka.”
It is unclear how many crew members were on board the ship, which has the capacity to carry 87. The Kremlin has declined to comment, stating that it is a matter for the Defense Ministry.
Intercepted Russian Communications
Ukraine’s military intelligence claims to have intercepted Russian radio communications from the location of the ship. In one conversation, a Russian soldier allegedly stated that only “wreckage and an oily stain” remained of the vessel.
Context of the Incident
This incident comes as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine approaches its second anniversary. Ukraine has previously used naval drones to drive Russian warships out of parts of the Black Sea, opening a shipping corridor for its grain exports.
According to Ukrainian authorities, grain exports are now at prewar levels. The reports of the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov add to the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia in the region.
Reporting from Moscow, NPR’s Charles Maynes contributed to this article.
