Ukraine’s military has announced the sinking of the Russian submarine Rostov-on-Don at a port in Sevastopol, Crimea. According to the General Staff of Ukraine’s Armed Forces, the submarine was struck and sank on Friday. The statement, released on Saturday, offered no additional evidence to corroborate the claim.
Significant Blow to Russian Black Sea Fleet
If confirmed, this event would represent a severe setback for the Russian navy, which Ukraine asserts has already lost a third of its Black Sea Fleet. The submarine, commissioned in 2014, is a Kilo II-class vessel equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, which are critical to both sides’ military strategies. The loss of such a vessel could significantly impact Russia’s naval capabilities in the region.
Reaction and Implications
The Ukrainian Defense Ministry celebrated the attack, highlighting the submarine’s sinking as a significant achievement. Ukrainian military analyst Cedric Leighton emphasized the importance of the submarine’s destruction, noting its role in Russia’s missile attacks on Ukrainian infrastructure.
Ongoing Conflict and Russian Response
The Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol reported calm in the city despite the incident, and Russian military sources have not confirmed the Ukrainian claim. The submarine had reportedly been previously damaged by a Ukrainian missile attack in September 2023 but had undergone repairs. The incident underscores the ongoing tension and conflict in the Black Sea region, where Ukraine has achieved several victories against Russian naval assets.