Title: Ukrainian Special Forces Claim Top Russian Admiral Killed in Missile Attack on Black Sea Fleet Headquarters in Crimea
Date: September 27, 2022
In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Ukrainian special forces announced on Monday that they had successfully targeted Moscow’s top admiral in Crimea, Vice-Admiral Viktor Sokolov, along with 33 other officers. The attack took place last week on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in the port city of Sevastopol.
The Russian Defense Ministry did not immediately respond to requests from Reuters seeking confirmation or denial of Admiral Sokolov’s death. However, the authorities installed by Moscow in Sevastopol have taken extra precautions in response to the increased attacks by Ukrainian forces in Crimea. The peninsula holds significant strategic importance, serving as a launching pad for numerous Russian air attacks during the 19-month-long war.
If verified, the killing of Admiral Sokolov would mark one of the most significant strikes by Kyiv against Crimea since Russia annexed the region from Ukraine in 2014. Ukraine’s special forces affirmed the admiral’s demise, stating, “After the strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, 34 officers died, including the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Another 105 occupiers were wounded. The headquarters building cannot be restored.” The announcement was made through the Telegram messaging app.
It remains unclear how Ukraine’s Special Forces have determined the number of casualties in the attack, as neither side has been forthcoming about its own losses during the conflict. Reuters has been unable to independently verify the report.
In its initial statement following the attack, the Russian Defense Ministry declared one serviceman missing, revising an earlier statement that claimed he had been killed. The ministry also stated that their air defenses had successfully intercepted and destroyed five missiles.
Ukraine has escalated its attacks in the Black Sea and on the Crimean Peninsula, resorting to the use of missiles in addition to assault drones. Kyiv believes that the destruction of the Russian Black Sea Fleet will significantly hasten the end of the war.
Earlier this month, Russia’s Defense Ministry accused Ukraine of launching 10 cruise missiles at a Black Sea naval shipyard.
The recent intensification of attacks on Sevastopol has prompted the city’s Russian-installed governor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, to hold a meeting on Monday to develop enhanced defense and attack warning systems. He acknowledged that the situation has changed and emphasized the necessity for a comprehensive response to the new threats posed by unmanned vehicles.
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, both sides remain engaged in a protracted conflict with no clear resolution in sight.
Reporting by Olena Harmash, Oleksandr Kozhukhar, and Lidia Kelly; Writing by Olena Harmash and Lidia Kelly; Editing by Timothy Heritage, Alex Richardson, and Jamie Freed.
[Optional] Image: Commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet Vice-Admiral Viktor Sokolov salutes during a send-off ceremony for reservists drafted during partial mobilization in Sevastopol, Crimea (REUTERS/Alexey Pavlishak/File Photo)