The Armed Forces of Ukraine have officially verified the strike on the Russian missile craft, Tsiklon, in the course of hostilities in Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula on May 19, which had been under occupation.
According to reports, the Tsiklon suffered damages during the same offensive that the Ukrainian Naval Forces previously announced had led to the obliteration of the Russian minesweeper, Kovrovets.
Dmytro Pletenchuk, speaking on behalf of the Navy, had indicated to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on May 20 that the ship could potentially be “lost,” although confirmation was pending at the time. He continued by suggesting that if the Tsiklon was indeed destroyed, it would signify the depletion of Russia’s missile ship presence in the Black Sea.
The General Staff did not provide details on the severity of the damage to the Tsiklon.
The Tsiklon had been put into active service in July 2023 and possesses an armament that includes Kalibr missiles, as reported by the government-controlled TASS news agency. This Karakurt-class missile vessel is equipped with an array of weaponry.
This incident is part of Ukraine’s larger strategy to target Russian Naval forces in the Black Sea, a campaign that has seen Ukrainian forces repeatedly inflicting damages on Russian warships. Notably, in April, the Ukrainian Navy reported hitting the Kommuna, an auxiliary ship that holds the title of being the oldest in service within the Russian Navy, its origins tracing back to 1915.
Post successful long-range attacks by Ukraine, Russian military personnel have reportedly retracted most of their significant naval units from bases in the occupied Crimean ports, as Dmytro Pletenchuk remarked in March.
In the wake of sustained Ukrainian strategic hits against the Black Sea Fleet, Russia started to move its Black Sea Fleet to Novorossiysk during the previous year. This included a missile onslaught targeting their command center in Sevastopol on September 22.
Consequent to these actions, the valuable assets have been relocated, as stated by Pletenchuk.
According to a recent disclosure by the Strategic Communications Center of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (StratCom), as of early February 2024, approximately one-third of the ships in the Black Sea Fleet had been rendered non-operational, tallying up to 24 ships and one submarine.
As a countermeasure to the ongoing risks, Russia has enacted a series of reforms, including the replacement of the chief of the Russian Navy in March.
FAQ Section
What is the significance of the missile ship Tsiklon for the Russian Navy?
The Tsiklon is a Karakurt-class missile ship armed with Kalibr missiles and various other weapons. It was the last of such vessels in the Black Sea Fleet, and its loss could significantly weaken Russia’s naval capabilities in the region.
What has been the impact of Ukraine’s campaign against the Russian Black Sea Fleet?
Ukraine’s campaign has led to the damage or destruction of numerous Russian ships. As of February 2024, approximately 33% of the Black Sea Fleet’s warships had been disabled, affecting their operational capabilities.
What were the outcomes of the Ukrainian attacks on the Black Sea Fleet?
The Ukrainian Navy has claimed successful strikes against several Russian naval vessels, including the venerable salvage ship Kommuna and now the missile ship Tsiklon. The repeated strikes have compelled Russia to withdraw most of their warships from ports in occupied Crimea.
Has Russia responded to the attacks on its Navy?
In response to the continued attacks, Russia has taken measures such as relocating their Black Sea Fleet to Novorossiysk and replacing the commander of the Russian Navy in attempts to mitigate the threats posed by Ukraine.
Conclusion
The confirmed strike on the Russian missile ship Tsiklon by Ukraine’s Armed Forces marks another critical event in the ongoing conflict, stressing the vulnerability of the Russian Navy’s presence in the Black Sea. Ukraine’s strategic targeting of Russian naval assets continues to challenge Russia’s maritime dominance and is reshaping the naval dynamics in the region. As the conflict evolves, these developments underscore the changing warfare landscape and the need for constant vigilance and strategic combat operations.
Note: The information within this article is based on AI news feed technology and sources from the internet. The original source is here for reference.