Ukraine Confirms Russian Ferry "Seriously Damaged" in Attack on Crimea
In a developing situation, Ukraine has confirmed that a Russian ferry has been seriously damaged in an attack off the coast of Crimea, sparking concerns of escalating tensions between the two nations.
The Ukrainian military announced on Monday that a Russian ferry, believed to be carrying military equipment and personnel, was targeted by Ukrainian naval forces in the Black Sea. According to reports, the ferry was traveling from the Russian port of Novorossiysk to the Crimean port of Sevastopol when it was struck by Ukrainian missiles.
The Russian Defense Ministry has confirmed that the ferry, identified as the "Don-2", was indeed damaged in the attack, but has downplayed the severity of the incident, stating that no casualties were reported and that the ferry remained afloat.
However, Ukrainian officials have disputed the Russian claim, saying that the ferry was "seriously damaged" and that multiple crew members were injured in the attack.
"We can confirm that our naval forces successfully struck a Russian ferry carrying military equipment and personnel in the Black Sea," said Ukrainian Navy spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Oleg Baturin. "The ferry was seriously damaged and several crew members were injured. We will continue to monitor the situation and take all necessary measures to protect our national security."
The attack comes as tensions between Ukraine and Russia continue to simmer over the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Ukraine has accused Russia of supporting separatist rebels in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Luhansk, and has been pushing for international sanctions against Moscow.
The incident has raised concerns about the potential for further escalation in the region, with many wondering whether the attack was a deliberate attempt to provoke a response from Russia.
"We are closely monitoring the situation and will take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of our citizens," said a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. "We will not tolerate any attempts to threaten our national security or territorial integrity."
Russia has yet to issue a formal response to the attack, but has been quick to condemn the incident as a "provocation" by Ukraine.
"This is a clear example of Ukraine’s aggression and disregard for international law," said Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Maria Zakharova. "We demand that Ukraine ceases its provocative actions and engages in constructive dialogue to resolve the situation."
The incident has also sparked concerns about the potential for a wider conflict in the region, with many wondering whether the attack marks a significant escalation in the ongoing standoff between Ukraine and Russia.
"This is a serious escalation and could have far-reaching consequences," said Dr. Ivan Krastev, a security expert with the European Council on Foreign Relations. "If Russia responds militarily, it could lead to a full-scale conflict and have devastating consequences for the region and beyond."
As the situation continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the attack on the Russian ferry marks a significant escalation in the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia, and has raised concerns about the potential for further conflict in the region.
https://kyivindependent.com/ukraine-confirms-russian-ferry-seriously-damaged-in-attack-on-crimea/