The US Intelligence shared with Ukraine has helped it sink Russia’s cruiser Moskva, US officials reported to NBC News, confirming a role of America is perhaps the most unprecedented as well as an embarrassing blow to Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.

The guided-missile cruiser, the Moskva, was part of Russia’s flagship Black Sea Fleet. It reportedly sank on 14 April after it was struck by two Neptune anti-ship missiles fired by Ukraine, the US officials said.

Moscow informed that the vessel sank after it caught fire. The Moskva was the largest warship of Russia that had sunk in combat since World War II. American officials added that there were several Russian casualties, but they do not know the exact count.

Image Credits: @Osinttechnical – Twitter

The attack took place after forces of Ukraine had asked the Americans about a vessel that was sailing south of Odesa in the Black Sea. The US helped identify the vessel as the Moskva and confirmed its location. After this, the Ukrainians targeted it.

The US was not aware that Ukraine would be targeting the Moskva and was also, in no way, involved in their decision to launch an attack. Maritime intelligence is shared to empower Ukraine defend itself against attacks from Russia’s ships.

The role of the US in the Moskva sinking was not reported earlier. NBC News outlined in the past month how the US intelligence shared with Ukrainian forces played a vital role in the latter’s successes to date, including helping Ukraine specifically target Russia’s forces to avoid attacks.

American officials have raised concerns that reporting regarding the US sharing intelligence with Ukraine may anger Putin and even provoke unpredictable responses.
The White House did not share a comment with NBC News.

The revelation regarding the Moskva came in the reporting by The NY Times that the intelligence shared by the US had empowered Ukraine to kill Russian generals.

American officials, however, did not dispute that but defended strongly the impression that the US was providing information explicitly intending to strike Russia’s military leaders.

Reference: timesofindia.indiatimes.com

Background:

Dramatic Photos Of Russian Warship ‘Moskva’ Before It Sank Surfaces Online

US Intelligence Reportedly Involved In Sinking Of Russia’s Cruiser ‘Moskva’ appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News