“We wanted a bigger gap”: Ukraine stages a spectacular coup against Russia

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A British reporter stands in Sevastopol filming himself while the rumble of incoming missiles can be heard above him. Unusual: The attack takes place in broad daylight, the sky is blue, the sun is shining. “Sevastopol is under attack,” says the reporter, after which he posts the video on X, formerly Twitter.

What he doesn’t know at the time: he is witnessing a spectacular attack by Ukraine on the Russian Black Sea Fleet. According to Russian sources, the attack took place in waves: initially with a modified Neptune anti-ship missile, in combination with shot down drones.

The timing is no coincidence

This was followed by the main attack on the air defenses, which apparently took them by surprise: seven British ‘Storm Shadow’ missiles were fired at headquarters, at least one of which was a direct hit.

The timing is no coincidence: high-ranking decision makers are more often present in the buildings during the day. And as intelligence chief Kirill Budanov reports, commanders Alexander Romanchuk and Oleg Tsekov were reportedly injured in the attack.

The news that Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, has been killed has not been confirmed. If Romanchuk were to be injured, it would significantly weaken the Russian army: he is the deputy head of the Russian armed forces in Zaporizhia.

According to Spiegel, the fact that the attack took place during the day could also have to do with the configuration of the Russian air defense. This is usually designed for night attacks.

Strike carried out with the help of Russian residents

Air force spokesman Yuri Ignat said on Ukrainian television that while he was satisfied with the outcome of the attack, he had hoped the impact would be even more dramatic. “Honestly, I wanted a bigger hole,” he said.

Ignat further said that such successful attacks were the best advertisement for Ukraine’s weapons. “For some reason, Russian air defenses cannot cope for the umpteenth time. Follow-up to follow.”

Ignat said the attack was carried out with the help of “Russian residents of Crimea” who provided Ukraine with information. He continued: “This is not only a blow to the heart of the naval forces of the Black Sea Fleet, it is a blow to Putin’s dictatorship.” (neo)

Source: Blick