On December 26, 2023, the Ukrainian Air Force launched a devastating strike on a Russian amphibious vessel, a Project 775 Ropucha-class LPD, at Feodosiya port in Crimea. The attack, carried out by two Ukrainian Su-24 jets, resulted in significant damage to the ship and escalating tensions between Ukraine and Russia.

The assault was initially reported on various channels on Telegram, and Russian media outlet RIA Novosti, citing the Russian Ministry of Defence, confirmed the incident. According to their report, the targeted vessel belonged to the Russian Black Sea Fleet. It was stated that the Ukrainian jets fired Storm Shadow/SCALP EG cruise missiles at Feodosiya port, explicitly targeting the Project 775 LPD.

The Russian Ministry of Defense claimed that their air defenses successfully engaged and destroyed the attacking jets. On the other hand, the head of the Ukrainian Air Force asserted that their warplanes had effectively destroyed the Russian warship.

The damaged LPD was identified as the "Novocherkassk," as it was docked in the port prior to the attack. This information was corroborated with the use of satellite images.

Footage captured by the Sentinel-2 L2A on December 24th revealed the ship docked at the main pier in Feodosiya, portending the imminent strike. Following the attack, the LPD appeared to be in ruins, partially submerged in the water after the fire was extinguished.

Despite the destruction caused by the assault, BBC World reported that the port's transportation operations were functioning normally. However, the area was cordoned off as authorities worked to contain the fire resulting from the attack.

The missiles used in the attack, Storm Shadow and SCALP-EG, are air-launched cruise missiles supplied by Britain and France, respectively. Ukraine had modified its Soviet-era Su-24 Fencer jets to carry these powerful weapons. Storm Shadow, known for its BROACH warhead, employs a two-stage delayed explosion mechanism. The missile penetrates the target, creating a hole for the second warhead to pass through, resulting in a detonation inside or below the target, depending on the fuse settings.

It is worth noting that this is not the first instance of a Russian Navy vessel being struck by Storm Shadow missiles. Earlier in September 2023, the Russian Navy's improved Kilo-class submarine, the Rostov-on-Don, was hit by these same missiles in Sevastopol.

As tensions continue to rise between Ukraine and Russia, this latest strike on a Russian warship adds fuel to an already volatile situation, heightening concerns about the potential escalation of the conflict in the region. Both countries are likely to face further international scrutiny as the aftermath of this attack unfolds.