Key Facts
• June 24: Ukraine sinks Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel near Kherson’s western coast.
• Video shows flames and smoke engulfing the ship after a nighttime attack.
• Attack involved drones and cruise missiles; 20 Shahed-136 drones also destroyed.
• Vessel was transporting Russian ground troops during the strike.
• Since Russia’s full-scale invasion, 28 Russian vessels, including flagship Moskva, have been sunk.
• Russia relocates parts of its fleet from Crimea to avoid further losses.
• UK Defense Ministry: Ukraine has significantly weakened Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
• Russia accelerates construction of larger Ivan Rogov-class assault ships to restore naval strength.
Summary
Ukraine’s military successfully targeted and sank a Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel near Kherson’s western coast on June 24, using drones and cruise missiles. The attack, captured in a 25-second video, shows the ship engulfed in flames and smoke. This marks the 28th Russian vessel destroyed since the full-scale invasion began, including the flagship Moskva. The vessel was reportedly transporting ground troops at the time. In response to repeated losses, Russia has relocated parts of its fleet from Crimea and is expediting the construction of larger Ivan Rogov-class assault ships. The UK Defense Ministry has noted Ukraine’s significant weakening of Russia’s naval capabilities.
