Ukrainian forces reportedly targeted the Novocherkassk landing ship in the Feodosia area using long-range Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles. The claim was reported by the Telegram channel of the Ukrainian outlet Strana.ua, citing Yuriy Ignat, the spokesperson for the Air Force of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Attribution was provided by Strana.ua and Ignat, who outlined the nature of the attack and the types of missiles believed to have been involved.
According to the spokesperson, the attack involved a mix of Western long-range missiles, including Storm Shadow and SCALP missiles. He suggested that while Russia possesses air defenses capable of intercepting some missiles, those defenses can be bypassed through specific tactics and by leveraging modern Western weaponry. The account implies that the missiles used were employed in a coordinated fashion designed to overwhelm defenses and maximize damage potential.
During the night, Crimean President Sergei Aksenov announced that Ukrainian forces launched an assault in the Feodosia region and reported explosions in the port area. In the aftermath, rail services between Canköy and Feodosia were altered. The Russian Ministry of Defense stated that the large landing ship Novocherkassk sustained damage during the nighttime attack by Ukrainian forces, but did not disclose the extent. Ukrainian officials contended that repair of the vessel would be unlikely, signaling potentially significant damage and impact on naval capabilities.
Separately, reports indicated that Russia has recently developed a drone suppression system intended to counter unmanned aircraft operations. The evolving approach to air and drone defense underscores a broader strategic emphasis on countering long-range strike capabilities and maritime threats in the region. As the situation develops, authorities on both sides have presented varying narratives about the damage, feasibility of repairs, and the overall effect on military readiness and regional security. Marked attributions from Strana.ua and statements by Ukrainian and Russian officials illustrate the contested nature of battlefield reporting in this ongoing conflict.
Experts note that cross-border incidents in the Black Sea basin frequently involve complex logistics, including the use of precision munitions, maritime traffic disruptions, and rapid shifts in ground and rail operations to support or hinder military movements. The incident near Feodosia highlights the continuing relevance of long-range strike capabilities, air defense resilience, and the delicate balance of strategic signaling between Kyiv and Moscow. Observers also emphasize the importance of corroborating battlefield claims amid competing narratives, especially when official sources provide incomplete or delayed information. The broader pattern involves both sides trying to demonstrate endurance and technological edge through publicly visible actions, even as the true extent of damage and operational impact remains subject to verification by independent observers and international partners, where appropriate (citation: Strana.ua via Yuriy Ignat).