Ukraine announced another successful strike on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) on March 26. The landing ship Konstantin Olshansky was hit by a Neptune missile. Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stated on national TV that the extent of damage to the vessel is still being assessed. In recent months, Ukraine has escalated attacks on BSF targets in occupied Crimea, effectively hitting multiple ships and prompting Russian forces to relocate to safer waters.
In comments to LIGA.net, Pletenchuk mentioned that the assault on the Konstantin Olshansky happened earlier this week on March 23, the same day when two Russian Ropucha-class landing vessels, Yamal and Azov, were targeted. This ship was among several Ukrainian vessels taken by Russian troops during the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
“This ship was supposed to be used by Ukraine, therefore, a decision was made to destroy this unit with our Neptune,” Pletenchuk told national television.
The Konstantin Olshansky, originally a Ukrainian vessel, was seized by Russia during the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Over the years, the ship remained docked in Sevastopol Bay and was reportedly cannibalized for parts to service other Russian naval ships. However, facing a depletion of large landing ships, the Russian navy apparently restored the vessel to bolster their diminished fleet. Pletenchuk highlighted the significance of the strike: “It was in the bay for nine years, and the occupiers began to disassemble it for spare parts. In the 10th year of the war, the enemies realized that they were running out of large landing ships, so they restored it within a year.”
The Ukrainian Navy has been vigilant in monitoring Russian fleet activities and has actively engaged in disabling enemy capabilities. The Neptune missile strike on the Konstantin Olshansky coincided with attacks on other key vessels, including the large landing ships Azov and Yamal, and the Russian reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs on March 24. Pletenchuk provided further details on the condition of the Russian fleet, stating, “Out of 13 (large landing ships), four have been destroyed, four are being repaired, and five are in working order.”
The strategic significance of these strikes cannot be overstated as the Crimean port is one of the few locations where Kalibr missiles can be equipped onto vessels. This attack comes after a series of setbacks for the Russian Black Sea Fleet, which saw its flagship, the Moskva, sunk in spring 2022.
This event comes amidst a backdrop of rising tensions and ongoing hostilities in Eastern Europe. Ukrainian officials have been stressing the need for continued support and have highlighted the advancements they have been making with their sea drones, which have been effective against Russian naval forces. The ongoing war in Ukraine has seen both sides experiencing losses and facing logistical challenges, with reports indicating that Russian forces are gradually seizing more territory in Donetsk province but suffering heavy losses in their advances.
Relevant articles:
– Russian landing ship Konstantin Olshansky hit with Neptune missile, says Ukraine
– Ukraine hits Konstantin Olshansky ship with Neptune missile, FrontNews, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 08:40:00 GMT
– Ukrainian Navy hit Russian-seized Ukrainian landing ship with Neptune missile system, Ukrainska Pravda, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 07:51:07 GMT
– Putin navy suffers double blow as Ukraine ‘hits’ Konstantin Olshansky landing ship and reconnaissance vessel, Yahoo Movies UK, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 09:52:22 GMT