On December 25, 2023, the russian Navy’s Ropucha class Novocherkassk landing ship tank (LST) was completely destroyed following a Ukrainian strike while alongside at the port of Feodosia, on the south coast of temporarily occupied Crimea, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Open source evidence suggests it is highly likely the vessel was carrying explosive cargo when it was hit, causing a large secondary explosion. The incident takes the number of LSTs russia has lost since the invasion to three: the Saratov ship sank on 24 March 2022, while the Minsk ship was functionally destroyed in dry dock on September 13, 2023. Two additional LSTs have likely been damaged.
Read more: Russia Sends Operatives to Crimea for an Investigation, Air Defense Chiefs Face Potential Frontline Reassignment
Russia likely planned to use its LST force to launch significant amphibious assaults during the invasion and it doubled the number of these vessels in the Black Sea during the build-up to the war. As the war has dragged on, the ships have been more commonly employed in providing logistical support. This is a significant role because it augments the vital and relatively fragile road and rail connection of the Crimea Bridge, which links Crimea to russia.
Read more: Partisans Reveal Results of Ukrainian Strikes on russia’s Military Facilities in Crimea Hinting They Were Also Involved In
