In a significant escalation of hostilities, the Ukrainian military targeted two large Russian landing ships and key infrastructure used by the Russian navy in the Black Sea. The attack took place in the overnight hours and was confirmed by Ukraine's military on Sunday.

According to Ukraine's military statement, the Azov and Yamal landing ships were successfully hit, along with a communications centre and several infrastructure facilities belonging to the Russian Black Sea Fleet in temporarily occupied Crimea. The statement did not provide details on how the targets were hit.

However, Mikhail Razvozhayev, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol in Crimea, reported a major air attack by Ukrainian forces. He stated that air defenses had shot down over 10 missiles over the Crimean port of Sevastopol, adding that it was the most massive attack in recent times.

Social media footage shared online captured a large blast in Sevastopol, with a fireball and plume of black smoke rising into the air. Russian air defenses were also seen intercepting incoming projectiles.

Ukraine claims to have destroyed approximately one-third of Russia's Black Sea Fleet since the invasion in February 2022, often through nighttime attacks utilizing sea-based drones packed with explosives. Satellite images reveal that Russia has relocated a significant portion of its fleet to the port of Novorossiysk in response to the escalating attacks.

Patrick Bury, a defense and security analyst at the University of Bath, stated that while the attack may not have a strategic impact on the overall war, it has forced the Russian Black Sea Fleet to retreat further east. This retreat has enabled Ukraine to increase its grain exports, which are crucial for the war economy.

Meanwhile, Russia has intensified its air attacks on Ukraine, claiming retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on its border regions. Moscow launched its largest aerial barrages against Ukraine's energy sector since the start of the war in the early hours of Friday. The Russian capital, Moscow, also resumed targeting the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, with a "massive" air attack on Sunday.

Ukrainian officials reported that Kyiv and the western region of Lviv were targeted by 29 cruise missiles and 28 drones overnight. Thankfully, no casualties were reported. These attacks come as Kyiv faces delays in receiving additional Western aid, while Russian forces seek to press their advantage in terms of manpower and ammunition.

In a separate development, Poland's army announced that one of the Russian missiles fired at western Ukraine breached its airspace. The object flew through the Polish airspace above the village of Oserdow in Lublin province for 39 seconds. Poland, a staunch ally of Ukraine since the invasion, stated that it would demand an explanation from Moscow.

As the conflict continues to escalate, experts are closely monitoring the situation, speculating on the possibility of a spring offensive by Russian forces once the ground dries in May. With the recent territorial gains made by Russia in the capture of Adviivka, the momentum appears to be shifting in favor of the Russian forces on the ground.