Ukraine destroyed a major Russian ship in the Black Sea and forced enemy naval forces to retreat

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In a significant blow to Russian naval forces, Ukraine confirmed that it destroyed an important Russian ship in the Black Sea, forcing the enemy to retreat. The Ukrainian Naval Intelligence agency, GUR, reported that maritime drones were used to neutralize the enemy missile corvette Ivanovets patrolling Lake Donuzlav, near the east coast of the Crimean peninsula. The destruction of the ship, valued at between USD 60 million and USD 70 million, was a significant loss for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, as it was one of only three ships operating in the area.

Following the attack, Kiev forces launched a search and rescue operation in the area to locate the estimated 40 crew members of the destroyed ship. The Ukrainian authorities stated that the operation serves as a reminder to Russia that remaining with impunity on previously occupied facilities in Crimea is detrimental to their health. This successful maneuver also forced the enemy to retreat and increased Ukraine’s exports through southern ports.

Meanwhile, Russia announced that an investigative commission concluded that an American Patriot missile shot down the Il-76 military plane near the border with Ukraine on January 24. President Vladimir Putin confirmed this information and stated that the plane was “shot down by a Patriot anti-aircraft system.”

In response to Russia’s announcement, Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov criticized the West for not promoting an investigation into the incident. However, Kiev remains firm in its assertion that the ship destroyed in the Black Sea was carrying weapons, not prisoners of war, despite expectations of a potential swap. Russia’s claims that the ship was carrying prisoners have caused further tensions between the two nations.

The incident and its aftermath raise concerns about the ongoing military conflict between Ukraine and Russia, as well as the potential implications for international relations.