Ukrainian Drone Attack Causes Explosions near Russian-Occupied Crimea Bridge
Explosions were reported near the bridge connecting Russian-occupied Crimea to the Russian mainland on Saturday. Russian-appointed officials attributed the blasts to a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait. The tanker sustained damage and required assistance from tugboats, as it couldn't operate on its own. Additionally, a Russian warship at Novorossiysk's navy base was seriously damaged in a Ukrainian naval drone attack, marking the first time the Ukrainian navy projected its power far from its shores. However, Russian-installed officials denied any link between the explosions and the bridge, which has previously faced attacks during the 17-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Ukrainian Drone Attack Causes Damage to Russian Tanker
Russian-appointed officials reported that explosions near the Crimean bridge were due to a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait. As a result, the tanker sustained damage to its machine room, rendering it unable to operate on its own. The sea rescue service in Novorossiysk dispatched tugboats to assist the damaged vessel, currently anchored on the south side of the strait.
Ukrainian Naval Drone Damages Russian Warship
Overnight, a Ukrainian naval drone launched a significant attack on a Russian warship at Novorossiysk's navy base, a remarkable display of Ukrainian naval power. This marks the first time the Ukrainian navy has projected its force so far from its country's shores. The attack inflicted substantial damage on the warship, raising tensions between the two countries.
Denials and Conflicting Reports
Russian-installed officials in Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014, asserted that the explosions were unrelated to the bridge, despite the bridge previously experiencing serious attacks during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Ukraine, on the other hand, has not made any official statements regarding the incident. However, Ukrainian news reports and pro-Russian officials in occupied parts of Ukraine claimed responsibility for the drone attack on a Russian-flagged tanker named SIG.
Tanker Supplies Oil to Russian Troops in Syria
Vladimir Rogov, a Russian-appointed official in Ukraine's southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia, posted an audio clip revealing that the targeted tanker had requested a tow from tugboats. Pictures posted on the Telegram messaging app showed shattered fixtures and equipment inside the vessel. The tanker, identified as SIG, was reportedly supplying oil to Russian troops in Syria, raising concerns over the impact on ongoing military operations.
The bridge, completed by Russia in 2018, has faced multiple attacks during the 17-month-old Russian invasion of Ukraine. The most recent attack occurred last month, prompting increased security measures and disruptions in the area.
The reported explosions near the Crimean bridge have been attributed to a Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian tanker in the Kerch Strait. The damaged tanker required assistance from tugboats, while a Russian warship at Novorossiysk's navy base was seriously affected in a separate attack. Despite the denial of any connection to the bridge by Russian officials in Crimea, the incidents have raised tensions between Russia and Ukraine. The situation remains complex and uncertain as both sides refrain from taking direct responsibility for the attacks.
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