In a recent military development, Ukraine launched a missile attack on Sevastopol in Crimea, targeting Russian warships. According to the Ukrainian military, the attack occurred on March 23, 2024, and resulted in the damaging of four Russian vessels.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence claims that the cruise missiles used in the attack were Storm Shadow missiles, provided by Britain. Two Russian large landing ships, the Yamal and the Azov, were reportedly struck during the initial assault. Three days later, on March 26, the Ministry confirmed that two more ships, the reconnaissance vessel Ivan Khurs and the landing ship Kostyantyn Olshansky, were also damaged.

Satellite imagery analysts are currently examining the extent of the damage inflicted on the Russian warships. While initial observations suggest minimal damage to the Yamal and the Azov, experts are still assessing the situation. The intelligence ship Ivan Khurs, which was previously believed to have been targeted, lacks evidence of any damage from the available satellite images.

This is not the first time Ukraine has utilized Storm Shadow missiles against Russian ships. In September 2023, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian warship and the Rostov-on-Don submarine in Sevastopol, demonstrating the effectiveness of these long-range air-launched missiles.

The recent attack adds to a growing list of losses suffered by the Russian Black Sea Fleet. In December 2023, the Ukrainian Air Force had previously targeted a Project 775 Ropucha-class amphibious vessel in Feodosiya port. Combined with the recent damage inflicted on the two Ropucha class LSTs, these losses have significantly impacted Russia's sea logistics capabilities.

Frederik Van Lokeren, an OSINT researcher, has compiled data highlighting Russia's naval losses during the conflict. According to his findings, a total of seven landing ships, including four Ropucha class and one Tapir class vessel, have been lost within two years. The consequences of these losses may have lasting implications, as Russia potentially faces a shortage of operational large landing craft in the Black Sea.

While the majority of the Russian-Ukrainian war has taken place on land, the maritime losses have contributed to a sense of moral superiority and provided insights into the Russian air defense systems' effectiveness against advanced cruise missiles like Storm Shadow.

Russia has not yet issued an official statement regarding the recent missile attack, leaving many questions unanswered. As the situation develops, the international community will closely monitor the impact of these attacks on the ongoing conflict in the region.