Russian landing ship ablaze following Ukrainian attack

Russia's landing ship the Novocherkassk has been hit by a Ukrainian missile attack in the early hours of 26 December. 

Russian landing ship ablaze.

Photo: X/Defense of Ukraine

In the earl hours of 26 December, Ukrainian missiles hit the Russian landing ship the Novocherkassk, docked in Russian-occupied Crimea.

This is the clearest video so far of the Ukrainian missile strike against the Russian Ropucha-class landing ship in Crimea.

According to some reports, 87 Russians were killed in the huge explosion pic.twitter.com/VXyWpQWtgD

— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) December 26, 2023

Russia has confirmed the strike, however claiming the vessel has only been "damaged", contrary to Ukrainian reports that it had been "destroyed". 

The Kyiv Independent quoted the Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk:

"The fleet of Russia is getting smaller and smaller," he said. "This time, the large landing ship Novocherkassk...Thanks to the Air Force pilots and everyone involved!"

Sources: Kyiv Independent, PAP, X

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