1. Footage showed a large blast in Sevastopol, with air defenses intercepting incoming projectiles.
2. At least three Storm Shadow missiles were reportedly used to hit a Russian communication tower in Sevastopol.
3. The Russian Black Sea fleet has been a major target for Ukraine, with recent attacks on ships and infrastructure.
In recent attacks, Ukraine claimed to have targeted a Russian military communications center and Black Sea fleet infrastructure in Sevastopol. Footage on social media showed a large blast, black smoke, and interceptions by Russian air defenses. Open-source intelligence analysts confirmed the hits, including the use of Storm Shadow missiles to take out the Russian communication tower.
The targeted ships, the Yamal and Azov, belonged to the 197th Landing Ships Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and were under repair in a shipyard. Following the strike, Ukraine’s Air Force commander thanked the pilots and sailors for their combat work, while the Russian authorities did not report the attack. The attack caused damage and casualties in Sevastopol, according to local officials.
Russia retaliated with missiles and drones in Ukraine, targeting critical infrastructure in Lviv and Kyiv. This was described as the largest aerial bombardment of Ukraine’s energy system since the war began. Ukraine has targeted Russia’s Black Sea fleet multiple times, sinking ships and causing damage. They continue to express determination to retake Crimea and all occupied territories in the fight against Russia.