Explosions rock Russian shipyard in Crimea as Ukraine targets Black Sea Fleet headquarters
A series of explosions ripped through a shipyard at the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea early on Wednesday, causing significant damage to multiple ships and igniting a blaze that continued to burn into the morning hours. The Russian Ministry of Defense confirmed that Ukraine had launched 10 cruise missiles at the facility in Sevastopol, while simultaneously targeting a Russian warship on the Black Sea with three maritime drones. In response, Russian air defense systems successfully intercepted seven of the cruise missiles, and the patrol ship Vasily Bykov destroyed all the unmanned drones, according to the ministry.
The acknowledgement of a successful Ukrainian attack came after local residents shared videos and images of explosions and raging fires at the shipyard on social media. Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Russian-backed governor of Crimea, later shared a photo that appeared to show damage to the port side of a Ropucha-class large landing ship. Ukrainian officials have yet to comment on the strikes.
At least 24 people were reported injured at the Sevmorzavod shipyard, according to Mr. Razvozhayev. The initial explosions and sounds of air defenses were reported at approximately 2 a.m.
Tensions in the conflict on the Black Sea have heightened in recent months, expanding an already long-running battlefront in the 19-month old war in Ukraine. Ukraine has increasingly targeted Russian military operations, including bases, naval facilities, and ammunition depots, particularly on the Crimean peninsula, which Russia invaded and annexed illegally in 2014. In response, Moscow has intensified attacks on Ukrainian ports, grain facilities, and other civilian infrastructure, following its withdrawal from a deal allowing Ukraine to ship grain through the Black Sea.
Crimea, which is linked to Russia by a single bridge that has been subjected to repeated attacks, is home to Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet and plays a crucial role in the Russian military’s supply chain supporting the occupation of southern Ukraine. President Vladimir V. Putin of Russia considers the territory a prized possession and has established numerous military bases on the peninsula since its annexation. Crimea served as a launchpad for Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and it has subsequently been used as a base for launching thousands of missiles and drones at Ukrainian towns and cities.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has asserted that military facilities in Crimea are legitimate targets. Over the past year, Ukraine has targeted Russia’s bases in the region with drones, missiles, and sabotage operations. In October of last year, Ukraine struck the Russian naval base in Sevastopol using maritime drones, demonstrating its enhanced long-range strike capabilities. These attacks have become more audacious and sophisticated, prompting the Russian Navy to adopt new defensive measures to protect its fleet.
Despite the escalating attacks on Crimea, Russian officials have downplayed their significance, claiming that life on the peninsula continues unaffected. The ongoing conflict in the region underscores the volatile situation and the risk of further escalation between Ukraine and Russia.