UK intelligence names consequences of Russian ship Tsezar Kunikov elimination
The Tsezar Kunikov has joined the Russian submarine fleet (Russian media)
The elimination of the large amphibious assault ship Tsezar Kunikov will further limit Russia's logistical capabilities in the Black Sea, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
On February 14, Ukrainian forces successfully attacked the Russian Ropucha-class amphibious assault ship Tsezar Kunikov with naval drones, which almost certainly led to the sinking of the vessel. In total, three Ropucha-class ships were destroyed by Ukrainian strikes.
According to UK intelligence, the vessel was actively used for logistical support of the Black Sea Fleet (BSF) and the Russian war against Ukraine.
In addition, the loss of the vessel would almost certainly further constrain Russia's limited resources in the Black Sea and leave the Black Sea Fleet's logistics chain vulnerable to additional attacks. It will also further reduce the reserves needed for transportation between mainland Russia and the Crimean peninsula when the Kerch Bridge is closed, the report says.
"Ukraine's ingenuity has highly likely deterred Russia from operating freely in the western Black Sea and enabled Ukraine to seize the maritime momentum from Russia," the UK Ministry of Defense says.
Russian landing ship Tsezar Kunikov destruction
On February 14, the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine confirmed that a large Russian amphibious assault ship Tsezar Kunikov was destroyed off the coast of Crimea. At the time of the attack, the ship was in the territorial waters of Ukraine near the Alupka village.
The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine showed a video of the sinking of the Russian landing ship and noted that it was attacked by Magura V5 marine drones.
Read more about the liquidation of the Tsezar Kunikov in RBC-Ukraine's report.
