Ukrainian strikes target Russian Naval assets, conflict spilled into neighbouring Poland

New Delhi, Mar 24: The Ukrainian military announced it had targeted two large Russian landing ships and key infrastructure utilized by the Russian navy in the Black Sea off the annexed Crimean peninsula. The strikes, which occurred early Sunday, were part of a broader assault on Russian military assets in the region.

Although the Ukrainian military did not disclose the method used to strike the targets, a Moscow-appointed official in Crimea reported a substantial Ukrainian air assault. This official stated that air defences intercepted and destroyed more than 10 missiles over the Crimean port of Sevastopol.

Simultaneously, Russia launched missile and drone attacks on Kyiv and the Lviv region. Residents of Kyiv sought refuge in metro stations as the assault unfolded, with Ukrainian defences managing to thwart 18 missiles and 25 drones, resulting in minimal damage. In Lviv, around 20 missiles and seven drones targeted critical infrastructure, but no damage was reported.

The conflict also spread into neighbouring Poland, a NATO member, as Ukrainian armed forces detected a cruise missile breaching Polish airspace near the town of Oserdow.

Mikhail Razvozhayev, the mayor of Sevastopol, reported damage to an office building and a gas line, along with injuries resulting from shrapnel.

The recent clashes mark an escalation in hostilities. Both sides have intensified aerial attacks in recent days, with Russia making slow progress in seizing territory in eastern Ukraine.

Ukraine's targeting of Russian naval assets, particularly in the Black Sea, reflects ongoing efforts to undermine Russia's military capabilities. Previous strikes have targeted Crimea-based warships, including the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov and damaging the Novocherkassk. Notably, Ukraine's most significant victory came with the sinking of Russia's flagship Black Sea missile cruiser, the Moskva, in April 2022.

The Black Sea fleet holds strategic importance for Russia, representing a symbol of its longstanding military presence in the region. Putin has justified Russia's actions in Crimea as necessary to prevent the peninsula from falling into Western hands, highlighting the geopolitical significance of the ongoing conflict.