In a startling development today in Crimea, Ukraine has officially confirmed a missile attack on the main command post of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, situated near the Belbek airfield. The attack occurred on Wednesday morning, sending shockwaves throughout the region.
Crimea, September 20, 2023 – In a development that has escalated tensions in the region, Ukraine has officially confirmed a missile attack on the main command post of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, located near the Belbek airfield in Crimea. The attack, which occurred on Wednesday morning, sent shockwaves throughout the area and has raised concerns about the ongoing conflict in Eastern Europe.
According to reports, the Ukrainian missiles struck with precision, targeting what is believed to be a critical military facility for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. While the information regarding the extent of the damage and potential casualties remains unverified, local Telegram channels and videos shared on social media show a significant plume of smoke rising from the vicinity of the Belbek airfield, near Sevastopol.
Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Moscow-installed governor of Sevastopol, claimed that Russia’s air defenses successfully repelled the missile attack on Sevastopol. He stated, “Information on possible damage from falling parts of downed missiles and casualties is being verified.” Razvozhayev also mentioned that air defense systems had downed several drones, and debris had fallen on Verkhnosadove and Kacha on the outskirts of Sevastopol, without causing any casualties.
This missile attack marks the second significant strike against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in just two weeks. On September 13, a series of explosions rocked the Sevastopol Shipyard in Russian-occupied Crimea, causing severe damage to the “Rostov-on-Don” submarine and the “Minsk” Large Landing Ship.
In response to these attacks on its Black Sea Fleet, Russia’s defense ministry reported that the large attack involved ten cruise missiles and three unmanned boats. This escalation in hostilities has prompted Moscow to consider redeploying a portion of its fleet to safer waters.
Shortly after the attack on the Black Sea Fleet command post, Ukrainian officials claimed responsibility for the missile strike. Andriy Yusov, a spokesperson for the Main Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR), stated, “Missile strikes are being launched on the military facilities of the invaders in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian Crimea.” He added, “The planned work of the Security and Defense Forces of Ukraine continues.”
Moreover, Ukraine announced another significant incident on the same day. Two Russian planes and a helicopter were reported to have been “significantly damaged” in an attack carried out by “unknown saboteurs” on one of the Kremlin’s main military airfields, located 30 kilometers northeast of Moscow. In a post on Telegram, the Directorate of Military Intelligence of Ukraine (HUR) claimed responsibility for this operation, causing concern in military circles.
The HUR stated, “Unknown saboteurs… planted explosives and detonated AN-148 and IL-20 aircraft (both belong to the 354th special purpose aviation regiment) at the airfield, which is carefully guarded, as well as the MI-28N [Havoc] helicopter, which was actively involved in shooting down attack drones over Moscow region.”
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As the situation unfolds, international observers are closely monitoring events in the region, and there is growing concern about the potential for further escalation in the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia. The recent missile attacks on Russian military assets in Crimea and near Moscow have added a new layer of complexity to an already volatile situation in Eastern Europe.
