Update (2100 EST): Ukrainian Air Force Commander Oleshchuk has now claimed that the Russian Navy Project 775 Landing Ship NOVOCHERKASSK was the ship that was struck. There are no confirming reports on battle damage assessment. His announcement reads below:
“And the fleet in Russia is getting smaller and smaller!
This time, the large amphibious ship Novocherkask is following the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, the cruiser Moskva.
Thanks to the Air Force pilots and everyone involved for the filigree work! Put on your pants and leave our Crimea “homely” before it’s too late!”
NOVOCHERKASSK (BDK-46) is a Ropucha-class landing ship of the Russian Navy. She is a part of the Black Sea Fleet and was damaged while in port during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. As of August 2022 she was reportedly out of action due to its damage sustained in Berdyansk in March 2022 and a lack of spare parts due to sanctions on the Russian Federation.
At approximately 1851 EST, explosions were detected at the port in Feodosia, Crimea. Traffic on the Kerch Strait Bridge was suspended and a large conflagration broke out in one of the docks. Air defense systems reportedly activated, but no successful engagement was reported.
Republic of Crimea Head Aksyonov was the first public official to confirm the incident and by 2030 EST, he told his TG followers that the situation was under control and a Ukrainian attack had caused the fire. Crimean Head Adviser Kryuchkov also told his TG page that residents are evacuating during the large explosion and fire.
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— Elena??? (@61_elena) December 26, 2023
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— monitor (@war_monitor_ua) December 26, 2023
However, by 2045 EST, pro-Ukrainian sources began to circulate that a Russian ship carrying Iranian Shahed drones was struck at the port. RBC_UA and CrimeanWind reported this.
As of this publication, neither the Ukrainian nor the Russian governments have commented on the ongoing situation. This is developing.
