Ukraine Attacks Russia's Black Sea Fleet Headquarters

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Facts

  • On Friday, the Russian defense ministry alleged that one serviceman was missing after Ukraine launched a missile attack on Russia's Black Sea fleet in the Crimean port of Sevastopol.1
  • The Russian-administered governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, said no one was injured in the attack but did not provide additional details on any potential casualties. Though he said civilian infrastructure was not damaged, firefighters continue battling the blaze.2
  • Earlier, Razvozhayev warned residents that 'another attack may come.' Though he later dropped the warning but urged locals to keep calm and avoid central Sevastopol due to ongoing 'special measures.'3
  • According to a statement from the Russian defense ministry, the country's air defense systems shot down five missiles. It added that the Black Sea Fleet was damaged due to Ukraine's attack.4
  • Meanwhile, Ukraine's Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk posted a video showing large plumes of smoke over the historic building. Thanking the Ukrainian pilots once again, he said: 'Sevastopol is the city of the Naval Forces of Ukraine's Armed Forces! Together — to victory!'5
  • The attack comes a day after the US Pres. Joe Biden announced a new military aid package worth $325M for Kyiv during Ukrainian Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington. The security assistance includes ammunition for HIMARS multiple rocket launchers, and anti-tank weapons.6

Sources: 1The week, 2Associated Press, 3RT (a), 4Tass, 5The kyiv independent and 6RT (b).

Narratives

  • Pro-Ukraine narrative, as provided by Politico. Ukraine is justified in attacking Russian ports, ships, and naval facilities on the Black Sea to weaken Moscow's war machine. Russia continues to launch missiles at Ukraine from its vessels in the Black Sea and has been threatening to block the Black Sea shipping routes that Ukraine has been using to export grain.
  • Pro-Russia narrative, as provided by Sputnik international. Friday's incident will have no bearing on the overall direction of the conflict. However, there can be no justification for such terror attacks, which put innocent civilians' lives at risk. Crimea has always been integral to Russia; it's futile to think that Ukraine can seize it by attacking Sevastopol and the Black Sea fleet. The potential role of the West in this attack must also be probed.

Predictions