Russian Black Sea Fleet commander was killed in Crimea missile strike, Ukraine says

 

Ukraine Claims Black Sea Fleet Commander Killed in Crimea Strike — Russia Silent

Ukraine has claimed responsibility for a missile strike on the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters in occupied Sevastopol, saying the attack killed 34 officers, including the fleet’s commander. While Kyiv has not released direct evidence and the claim remains unverified by independent sources, the strike marks a dramatic moment in Ukraine’s efforts to challenge Russian military control in Crimea.

The targeted attack on Friday comes amid intensified Ukrainian strikes aimed at weakening Russian naval forces and isolating Crimea, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014. A Telegram post from Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces referred to a successful “Crab Trap” operation, timed to hit senior Russian naval leaders during a meeting. The statement did not name the commander, but speculation has centered around Admiral Viktor Sokolov, who has led the fleet since August 2022.

If confirmed, his death would represent one of Russia’s most high-profile military losses in the war — and potentially the most senior naval officer killed in combat since World War II, according to retired Admiral James Stavridis, a former NATO commander.

Russia’s Defense Ministry initially reported one serviceman killed in the Sevastopol strike but later retracted that figure, saying the person was “missing.” The ministry has not publicly confirmed or denied Ukraine’s claims, and Admiral Sokolov has not appeared in Russian media since the incident.

Ukraine’s military intelligence chief, Kyrylo Budanov, stated in an interview that at least nine individuals were killed and 16 wounded, including General Alexander Romanchuk, reportedly in “very serious condition.”

This strike is the latest in a series of escalating Ukrainian attacks on Crimea’s naval and logistical infrastructure. Last year, Ukrainian forces — aided by U.S. intelligence — successfully sank the Moskva, the Black Sea Fleet’s flagship. Since then, Russia has rotated leadership and reinforced the peninsula’s defenses.

Sevastopol remains a critical hub for Russia’s military operations in the region. Its port has served as a launch point for missile strikes deep into Ukrainian territory.

Meanwhile, the U.S. has reportedly agreed to supply Ukraine with a limited number of long-range ATACMS missiles, which could further expand Kyiv’s ability to strike key Russian assets behind the front lines.

Whether Admiral Sokolov has in fact been killed remains uncertain. But the symbolism and strategic implications of Ukraine striking the heart of Russia’s naval command in Crimea are undeniable — a sign of Kyiv’s growing capabilities and determination to reclaim occupied territory.