Ukraine Launches Second Missile Attack on Sevastopol
Ukraine conducted a second missile attack on the occupied Crimean Peninsula on Saturday, targeting the city of Sevastopol. The attack came a day after Ukraine targeted the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol, resulting in a missing serviceman and damage to the main building. The Governor of Sevastopol, Mikhail Razvozhayev, reported that intercepted missile debris fell near a pier and in a park in northern Sevastopol, leading to an air raid alert and temporary closure of ferry traffic in the area.
According to a pro-Ukraine Telegram news channel, loud blasts were also heard near Vilne in northern Crimea. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, the region has been a frequent target for Ukrainian forces. The recent missile attacks are part of Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to combat Russian aggression following the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Ukraine’s Attack on Black Sea Fleet Headquarters
Kyrylo Budanov, Ukraine’s intelligence chief, stated on Voice of America that Ukraine’s attack on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol resulted in at least nine deaths and 16 injuries. Budanov claimed that Russian General Alexander Romanchuk, who leads forces along the southeastern front line, was seriously injured in the attack. However, these claims have not been independently verified. Budanov did not comment on the use of Western-made missiles in the attack.
Ukraine’s military provided additional details about Friday’s attack, stating that the air force carried out 12 strikes targeting areas with concentrated personnel, military equipment, and weapons at the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Two anti-aircraft missile systems and four Russian artillery units were reportedly hit.
Significance of Sevastopol in the War
Crimea plays a crucial role in supporting Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, and Sevastopol, as the main base of the Black Sea Fleet, holds particular importance for navy operations. Ukrainian forces have been increasingly targeting naval facilities in Crimea as part of their counteroffensive strategy. Military experts believe that these attacks are crucial to degrade Russian morale and weaken their military capabilities.
U.S. Support for Ukraine
During a meeting at the White House, President Joe Biden pledged to provide Ukraine with long-range ATACMS ballistic missiles. These missiles, with a range of up to 190 miles, can be launched from the HIMARS mobile rocket launchers already in possession of the Ukrainian military. The missiles will enable Ukraine to target Russian supply lines and command posts far beyond the front lines. Initially, there were concerns about sending the missiles due to potential impacts on U.S. military readiness and potential escalation with Russia, but the decision was ultimately made to provide this support.
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