In the wake of escalating skirmishes in Sevastopol, disparate sources offer varied casualty counts.
Kyiv implores its nationals to evacuate the embattled Crimean peninsula immediately. Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Iryna Vereshchuk advises those fleeing to find refuge either in areas under Ukrainian governance or abroad, as relayed by Euronews.
Since Russia’s occupation and subsequent annexation in 2014, Ukraine has launched fresh offensives on the peninsula. Euronews cites Ukrainian authorities suggesting that Russia’s grip on Crimea might be waning. Emphasizing the region’s significance, Russian President Vladimir Putin has persistently underscored Crimea’s value, even personally inaugurating pivotal transport routes there.
Mikhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Ukrainian president, delineated on social media plans for the demilitarization and liberation of Crimea, as per Euronews. He envisioned the resurgence of commercial vessels in the Black Sea and the transformation of Russian warships into subaquatic museums, envisaging a tourist attraction of global appeal.
Sevastopol Skirmish: Top Military Brass Reportedly Perish
A recent assault on the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s central base in Sevastopol has led to significant casualties. Euronews references Russian military bloggers who claim the demise of at least 34 elite military officials. In contrast, Kyrylo Budanov, the chief of Ukrainian military intelligence, mentioned a figure of nine casualties. The precise identities of the senior Russian military casualties remain uncertain. Post-attack speculations are rife concerning the status of Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, especially in light of Ukraine’s earlier sinking of the fleet’s flagship during the onset of hostilities.
Image: George Chernilevsky, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons (image size changed)