Third of fleet lost: Putin fires commanders after disaster

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It was a painful blow to the Russian Navy: four Ukrainian naval drones capsized the Caesar Kunikov, a powerful warship more than 100 meters long. What happened to the crew is unknown.

Ukraine repeatedly manages to deal serious blows to the Black Sea Fleet, which has already withdrawn because of the attacks. The Ukrainian military reports that about a third of the fleet has already been destroyed.

According to the Moscow Times, the commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, Viktor Sokolov, has now been dismissed from his position by Putin. According to Russian military bloggers, the dismissal came after the attack on Caesar Kunikov.

Admiral replaced by his deputy

According to the usually well-informed Rybar channel, Admiral Sokolov has been replaced by Sergei Pinchuk, his deputy and chief of staff. Sokolow had been in power since September 2022.

After the attack on the Moskva at the beginning of the war, the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov was the most spectacular hit by the Ukrainian defenders. Two weeks ago, Ukraine also sank the Russian rocket ship Ivanovets in the Black Sea.

A total of 25 ships are said to have been put out of action as a result of attacks by maritime drones or missiles. Another 15 ships were damaged and it is unclear if and when they will be operational again.

In September, Ukraine bombed the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet with ‘Storm Shadow’ missiles. Senior officers were apparently eliminated. (neo)

Source: Blick