Russian Black Sea Fleet suffers severe setback: 20% destroyed in months-long tension

Between the evening of December 25 and the early morning of December 26 (Eastern Time), the Ukrainian Armed Forces attacked the project 775 landing ship (known as the Ropucha in NATO code), "Novocherkassk". Su-24 frontline bombers armed with Storm Shadow maneuvering missiles were likely used in the attack. The missiles can hit targets from a distance exceeding 311 miles. Online videos suggest that the ship sustained such significant damage that repair and restoration seem to be unachievable.

The Ukrainian armed forces have targeted more than just the "Novocherkassk". Other high-profile attacks include a missile strike in September on the Russian Black Sea Fleet's Sevastopol base. The Ukrainians aimed several missiles towards the Sevmorzavod shipyard, damaging two units situated in dry docks; the "Minsk" landing ship and the Kilo-type 636.3 submarine "Rostov-on-Don". Curiously, the Ukrainian Armed Forces used Storm Shadow missiles and sea drones during these attacks.

The "Minsk", like the "Novocherkassk", is part of the project 775 - Ropucha series. This ship was produced in Poland until the late 1980s and initially used by the Soviet navy. Several of them now serve Russia. These sizeable vessels measure about 378 feet long and can hold up to 500 tons payload. With a cargo deck spanning 6458 square feet, they can easily transport various types of loads. The primary armament on the Ropuchas includes 57mm or 76mm guns, but they can also support 122mm Grad rocket launchers.

The submarine "Rostov-on-Don" is a vessel that's been part of the Black Sea Fleet since 2014. It's an improved 636.3 Warsaw class submarine (NATO code: Improved Kilo). This traditional diesel-electric submarine measures around 230-243 feet long, depending on the model and can submerge to almost 4409 tons. It boasts advanced stealth technology and can dive up to 984 feet. The armament comprises six 533mm torpedo tubes which are adaptable for launching maneuvering missiles, like Kalibr, or laying naval mines.