Ukraine Strikes Blow To Russian Naval Power: Claims Sinking of 'Ivanovets' In Bold Nighttime Operation

In a daring overnight maneuver, Ukraine's military intelligence declares the successful sinking of a Russian warship, the "Ivanovets," off the Crimean coast, marking another significant blow to Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The operation followed a formidable missile assault on the occupied peninsula earlier, strategically targeting key military assets.

The targeted vessel, a guided missile ship, reportedly sustained multiple hits to its hull before succumbing to the depths of Lake Donuzlav, Crimea's deepest lake. Exclusive night-time footage reveals naval drones racing towards the Russian ship, detonating on impact and causing substantial damage, ultimately resulting in the vessel's apparent sinking. While CNN could not independently verify Ukraine's claims, the dramatic video adds an element of uncertainty about the vessel and the precise moment of impact.

As of now, Russia's Defense Ministry, the Kremlin, and other officials have yet to provide any official comments on the incident, leaving the situation shrouded in mystery.

The sinking of the "Ivanovets" represents the latest in a series of calculated strikes by Ukraine against Russia's Black Sea Fleet, aiming to deliver both strategic and symbolic blows to the occupying forces since the annexation of Crimea in 2014. The strikes on Crimea and Russian ships are strategically designed to isolate the peninsula and disrupt Russia's military operations on the Ukrainian mainland, where the front lines have remained relatively static for months.

Notably, Ukraine's previous attack on the Moskva in April 2022 forced Russia to alter its operational tactics in areas controlled by Ukraine. The infamous incident saw a Ukrainian soldier defiantly responding to threats from the Russian vessel with the memorable words, "Russian warship, go f*** yourself."

The strike on the "Ivanovets" occurred shortly after Ukraine unleashed a barrage of missiles at Crimea, described by Ukraine's Air Force Commander as part of the ongoing "cleansing of Crimea from the Russian presence." The assault involved the launch of 20 airborne guided missiles, with Russian air defenses successfully intercepting 17 over the Black Sea and three more over the peninsula.

Despite claims by Russia's Defense Ministry of repelling a "massive attack on Sevastopol," the appointed governor of the city, Mikhail Razvozhaev, reported minimal damage, mainly confined to broken windows and other superficial impacts on about a dozen buildings. Remarkably, no injuries were reported.

Amidst these bold military actions, speculations abound regarding the potential dismissal of Ukraine's Commander-in-Chief, General Valerii Zaluzhnyi, fueled by weeks of growing tensions with President Volodymyr Zelensky. The unfolding events contribute to an air of uncertainty surrounding the future of Ukraine's military leadership.