Controversy Surrounds Reports of Russian Sailors Killed in Ukraine's Strike on Ship in Crimea
ICARO Media Group
In a surprising turn of events, Sevastopol Independent Television and Sevastopol News have removed articles claiming that 74 Russian sailors were killed and 27 injured after Ukraine's Armed Forces allegedly struck the Russian Black Sea Fleet's Novocherkassk large landing ship in Crimea's Feodosia port. The news sites initially reported the deaths on December 29, citing official information from the Russian Black Sea Fleet. However, the information was later disputed by the director of Sevastopol Independent Television, stating that it did not align with the reality of the situation.
The controversy arose after Ukraine's Air Force command announced on December 26 that Ukrainian tactical aviation had attacked Feodosia, resulting in damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet's Novocherkassk ship. The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the incident, stating that the ship was hit while defending against an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Disturbing photographs that allegedly captured the aftermath of the strike showed the ship virtually submerged.
It is important to note that no official reports regarding military casualties have been released as of yet. However, according to the Telegram channel Astra, there were reportedly 77 sailors on board the ship during the attack, with 33 individuals currently listed as missing. Sergey Aksyonov, the Kremlin-appointed head of Crimea, announced that one civilian had tragically lost their life in the assault.
The removal of the articles by the local news agencies has only added to the confusion surrounding the incident. Sevastopol Independent Television's director, in response to the removal, suggested that media outlets reach out to the Russian Defense Ministry's press service or the Russian Black Sea Fleet for accurate information.
As the debate over the alleged casualties continues, it remains to be seen whether further details will emerge regarding the reported deaths of the Russian sailors. With conflicting reports and limited official information, the situation in Crimea's Feodosia port remains shrouded in uncertainty.
Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is based solely on the reports published by Sevastopol Independent Television and Sevastopol News, which have since been removed.