Ukraine Damages 2 Ferries In Russian-Occupied Crimea, Disrupting Moscow’s Operations

Ukraine’s military reported on Thursday that it has successfully damaged two ferries in Russian-controlled Crimea, thereby halting operations between the peninsula and the Russian mainland.

This strike has significantly disrupted the region’s military logistics.

According to a statement posted on the Telegram messaging app by Ukraine’s General Staff, the assault was carried out with Army Tactical Missile Systems (ATACMS) supplied by Western countries.

The two ferries carrying rail and vehicular transport suffered severe damage, with one running aground and closing the entire Kerch ferry crossing.

Nikolai Lukashenko, a Russia-appointed official in Crimea, reported the strike, confirming that debris from downed Ukrainian missiles had damaged the vessels, causing ferry operations in Kerch to be suspended.

Lukashenko announced that the ferry line’s services have been halted.

Image Credits: Ukraine’s Armed Forces/Facebook

This development severely undermines Russian soldiers’ military logistics on the peninsula.

The Kerch ferry crossing is essential for moving supplies and reinforcements between Crimea and mainland Russia.

The Ukrainian military said the operation had “significantly disrupted” the occupiers’ logistics.

Ukraine has been intensifying its strikes on Crimea for several months, targeting Russian Black Sea Fleet vessels based in the Crimean city of Sevastopol.

Ukraine has also conducted two massive strikes against the Kerch Strait bridge, which was finished in 2018 and connects Crimea to the Russian mainland.

The ongoing crisis in Crimea dates back to 2014 when Russia seized and annexed the peninsula following its ousting of Russia-friendly President Viktor Yanukovych in response to widespread protests in Ukraine.

This recent strike highlights the region’s continued tensions and military disputes as Ukraine continues to fight the Russian sovereignty of Crimea.

Reference: Reuters

Ukraine Damages 2 Ferries In Russian-Occupied Crimea, Disrupting Moscow’s Operations appeared first on Marine Insight – The Maritime Industry Guide

Source: Maritime Shipping News