FEODOSIA, Ukraine -- In a bold move, Ukraine's air force successfully targeted a major naval port in the Russian-occupied Crimean Peninsula, claiming the destruction of a Russian naval landing ship that was docked there. The attack occurred in the early hours of December 26, when Ukraine's tactical aviation units fired cruise missiles at the port of Feodosia on the eastern side of the Black Sea peninsula.

According to the Ukrainian military's post on Telegram, the missiles hit the ship called Novocherkassk. The powerful explosions that followed shook the entire city, waking up residents and causing damage to buildings, shattering windows, and setting off car alarms. Colonel Yuriy Ihnat, an air force spokesman, stated that the extent of the explosions made it extremely difficult for any ship to survive.

Ukraine's air force commander, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, remarked on Telegram that the attack demonstrated how Russia's naval fleet was shrinking. However, he did not provide further details regarding the involvement of Ukrainian jets. Russia's Defense Ministry confirmed that the Novocherkassk had been damaged by a Ukrainian missile but did not provide any more information. President Vladimir Putin was briefed on the strike by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu, indicating the seriousness of the attack.

Sergei Aksyonov, the Russian-backed governor of the Crimea region, released a statement on Telegram confirming the attack and mentioning that one person was killed and two others wounded. Photographs showed fireballs rising into the night sky, followed by a massive shockwave. Several buildings along the city's waterfront embankment had broken windows due to the force of the explosion.

If confirmed, this would be the second time the Novocherkassk was damaged in a Ukrainian strike. In March 2022, Ukrainian forces attacked the port of Berdyansk, sinking another landing ship, the Saratov, and damaging the Novocherkassk. Ukraine has been successfully using cruise missiles to target Russian naval ships and submarines, causing significant damage to several vessels. These strikes have hindered Russia's Black Sea fleet, forcing it to curtail operations and withdraw some of its ships to ports further away.

The destruction of the Novocherkassk is seen as another embarrassing setback for Russia's navy. Despite these losses, Russia continues its aggressive military actions, and tensions in the region persist. The international community is closely monitoring the situation as Ukraine's conflict with Russia shows no signs of resolution.

As Ukraine defends its territorial integrity and sovereignty, the ongoing conflict continues to have a devasting impact on the country and its citizens.