KYIV, Ukraine — Russia’s flagship in the Black Sea has suffered “significant damage,” the Russian defense ministry acknowledged Thursday, as Ukraine said it attacked the vessel with a shore-to-ship missile.
The high command in the Ukrainian port of Odesa reported overnight that a Neptune missile had been launched at the ship, which has been part of the naval campaign against Ukraine’s coast. There were conflicting reports as to whether one or two missiles were fired at the ship.
Ukraine did not immediately take credit for hitting the ship, and precise details about the incident remained opaque. If confirmed, a Ukrainian strike on the Moskva would be a major blow for the Russian fleet and a tactical and public relations coup for Ukraine at a pivotal moment — when the country is bracing for a massive Russian offensive in the eastern and southern regions.
