Ukraine has claimed responsibility for sinking Russia’s flagship Moskva missile cruiser, dealing a major blow to Moscow’s naval capabilities in the Black Sea.
Officials in Kyiv said their forces hit the Soviet-era warship with Neptune anti-ship missiles, causing catastrophic damage. Although Russia admitted the Moskva sank, it blamed an unexplained fire onboard.
The attack strikes a symbolic victory for Ukraine seven weeks into the war, regaining control of a strategic vessel Russia had captured from them in 2014.
Videos show the 186-meter long Moskva engulfed in flames and tilting drastically prior to sinking with its entire crew of 500 reportedly evacuated.
Losing its guided-missile defense system is a dent in Russia’s naval strength, but the psychological impact may be greater by shattering the image of its invincibility.
However, Russia warned of retaliation as Ukraine continues holding the strategic port city of Odesa which remains a key target for Moscow’s forces.
