Continued losses for Russia. Ship explodes in Sevastopol

The ship proj. 23040G Vladimir Kozicki exploded in Sevastopol, currently in Russian occupation, on October 26. The vessel was subsequently towed in the direction of Crimea, presumably destined for a shipyard.

Eyewitnesses reported that the explosion reverberated throughout the entire region, producing a trail of smoke that was visible from various locations in Sevastopol, including the city center, the northern sectors, and the area of Striletska Bay. Floating rumors suggest that the damage might have been caused by an unidentified sea mine. If this is the case, there's a likelihood that the Russian vessel fell victim to "friendly fire", showcasing yet another instance of Russian disregard for safety measures.

The ship proj. 23040G Vladimir Kozicki is part of a newer, versatile series, designed for hydrographic and anti-mine operations. It is the third ship in the Black Sea Fleet's formation, standing at 109 feet in length with a maximum displacement of approximately 246 tons. The vessel is capable of reaching a speed of 12 knots and can house a crew of nine. The propulsion system includes two high-speed diesel engines that deliver around 332 horsepower, two constant-pitch screws, and a jet rudder.

The Russian Black Sea Fleet has recently experienced significant setbacks, with the latest incident further illustrating the struggle of the Russian forces. One of their most advanced patrol ships, the Pavel Derzhavin, faced damage just a few weeks prior. Effective defence from the Ukrainians is evident, as shown by the successful air assault on the shipyard in Sevastopol, during which two strategically important landing ships were damaged. However, these instances merely hint at the broader issues at hand. Even specialist trained dolphins were not able to safeguard the Russian base.

"The Russian fleet is no longer capable of operating in the western part of the Black Sea and is progressively retreating from Crimea," stated Volodymyr Zelensky just days before. Yet, as the Ukrainian president has noted, this change of tactic may already be overdue. The defenders are ready to adamantly protect Sevastopol and debilitate the Russian fleet to the fullest extent. So far, they have been considerably successful, with further weapon supplies only expected to fortify Ukraine's position.