Most crewmembers of Russia’s Caesar Kunikov large landing ship died after it was targeted and sunk by multiple Ukrainian naval drones, according to sources.
“According to available information, there was ammunition there, and most of the crew did not manage to escape,” Andriy Yusov, Ukraine’s military intelligence spokesperson, told Ukrainian news agency, Ukrinform.
The 12.5-metre landing ship was hit various times on the port side earlier today.
Footage filmed on at least four drones showed the area heavily damaged and partially alight.
‘Big blow to aggressor’s fleet’
Providing more details on the operation, Mr Yusov said preparations were extensive and involved tracking the routes of the ship and collecting data, Ukrinform reported.
“The frequency with which relevant operations are carried out shows that the Ukrainians are learning, improving their tactics and strategy, and, of course, such measures will be continued,” Mr Yusov was quoted as saying.
“Today’s destruction of the large landing ship is a big blow to the capabilities of the aggressor’s fleet.
“They will not be able to conduct amphibious operations against Ukraine for a long time.”
According to the Ukrainian armed forces, this operation was carried out by Group 13, a specialised unit within Ukraine’s intelligence directorate.