Ukraine has released a statement claiming responsibility for the successful sinking of a Russian submarine in Crimea, describing it as a major achievement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
The statement, which was released by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces on Telegram, specified that the Kilo-class submarine Rostov-on-Don was struck and destroyed while docked at the port of Sevastopol. The attacks come on the back of Russia’s assault of more than 600 guided air bombs launched towards Ukraine in a week, according to President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Details of the Strike
The Ukrainian attack reportedly resulted in the immediate sinking of the submarine, which is valued at $300 million. "The boat sank on the spot," stated the General Staff. The attack would be viewed as a significant blow to the Russian Black Sea Fleet and further exposed how vulnerable Russian naval assets are within Ukrainian territorial waters.
Although Ukraine does not have a traditional navy, the country has continued to target Russia’s naval presence in the Black Sea, to considerable success. This particular attack on the Rostov-on-Don follows previous assaults on Russian vessels, including the serious damage inflicted on the Moskva Russia’s Black Sea fleet flagship last September by a missile strike, as reported by the UK's Ministry of Defence.
What it Means for the Ukraine-Russia War
The General Staff emphasized that, "The destruction of the Rostov-on-Don proves once again that there is no safe place for the Russian fleet in the Ukrainian territorial waters of the Black Sea."
The Rostov-on-Don is a diesel-electric submarine which is capable of launching Kalibr missiles. It has long been a crucial asset for Russia. Its loss, alongside other naval setbacks, such as the sinking of the flagship Moskva, will be sending strong signals to allies and rivals alike about the current state of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
In addition to the attack, the Ukrainian military also reported the destruction of four S-400 air defense systems in Crimea. According to international observers, the attack is an indication of the state of Russia's defensive capabilities in the region.
A Show of Force from Ukraine?
Frederik Mertens, who is a former strategic analyst, suggests that Ukraine’s relentless targeting of Crimea’s defenses could be a prelude to utilizing their newly acquired F-16 fighter jets, which recently arrived from NATO allies. BBC reported Lithuania's foreign minister as saying the first deliveries of F-16 fighter jets, which has long been promised by the country's allies, had arrived in Ukraine. President Zelenky is believed to view the planes as very important to his country's air defense plans.
Potentially, it could be a shift in strategy to bolster Ukraine's aerial defense and offensive capabilities against Russian targets. Previously, Ukraine's allies have been reluctant to approve strikes within Russia using Western weapons, but the US has recently allowed Kyiv permission to attack selected targets just along the border.
In Kyiv, top military chiefs are hoping the jets can help stall Russia from gaining momentum on the frontlines. Moscow's forces have been making strong gains in the east of Ukraine for some time now.