Russian Naval Ship Destroyed in Airstrike by Ukrainian Forces
Images and videos circulating on social media show the “Novocherkassk” was completely destroyed, scattered over hundreds of meters. The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that the naval ship was damaged in an airstrike by Ukrainian forces, stationed in occupied Crimea.
The 112-meter ship was capable of transporting 10 tanks and about 225 servicemen. According to reports, it was recently used to transport weapons and soldiers to the Zaporizhzhia region, partly held by Russian forces.
In response to the incident, the Ukrainian army has retreated from Marinka, a city in the Donetsk region. Ukrainian Commander-in-Chief Valery Zaluzhnyas denied Moscow’s claims of complete capture of Marinka, stating, “This is a war, so the fact that we have now retreated to the outskirts of Marinka and set up positions behind Marinka in some areas is nothing that can cause any public outcry. Sadly, this is what war is like.”
As Ukraine continues to mourn its dead, the funeral service for 31-year-old Ukrainian soldier Yuriy Antonenko, who was killed in fighting near Marinka, was held in the city of Irpin. Mayor Oleksandr Markushyn, who attended the funeral, described the present moment as a “turning point” for Ukraine, emphasizing the country’s fight for existence.
Meanwhile, the Russian Defense Ministry has yet to provide further details on the extent of the damage to the “Novocherkassk” and the aftermath of the airstrike. The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to escalate, with both sides experiencing significant losses in the battle for control in the region.