Ukraine's Navy Commander Releases Attack Footage on Fourth Anniversary of Russian Flagship's Sinking

The Sinking of the Cruiser 'Moskva'

According to Главком: April 13, 2026, marks four years since Ukrainian forces destroyed the Russian missile cruiser 'Moskva'. This pivotal event in Ukraine's military history was confirmed by Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa, Commander of the Ukrainian Navy, who released footage of the vessel's destruction. The 'Moskva' was the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, and its loss represented a significant strategic and symbolic blow in the ongoing conflict. The sinking demonstrated Ukraine's capability to challenge Russian naval dominance in the region.

How the Attack Unfolded

The cruiser was destroyed on April 13, 2022, when Ukrainian forces struck it with two 'Neptune' anti-ship missiles. The ship was located approximately 90 kilometers from the Ukrainian coast near Snake Island. Both missiles hit their target, causing a fire and the detonation of onboard munitions. While under tow the following day, April 14, 2022, the 'Moskva' sank, compounding the scale of the disaster for the Russian fleet.

The Russian response to the incident was initially ambiguous, with reports first mentioning only an onboard fire, later claiming the vessel was lost in a storm. However, a Russian court subsequently officially acknowledged the cruiser had been struck by missiles. According to Russian sources, the incident resulted in the deaths of 20 crew members, with 8 others declared missing. Independent analyses, however, suggest the actual casualties were likely far higher.

The United States was the first to independently confirm the strike's aftermath. Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa commented on the event, stating:

“The destruction of the Russian Black Sea Fleet's flagship cruiser 'Moskva' by the Ukrainian navy-a navy they claimed 'did not exist.' Ukraine is the only country in the world to have sunk an enemy missile cruiser during a war. I am proud of our warriors.”

Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa

Four years later, the sinking of the 'Moskva' stands as a testament not only to Ukraine's military resilience but also to the event's profound impact on the international security landscape. It has become a symbol of Ukraine's fight for independence and territorial integrity, while underscoring the critical role of modern asymmetric warfare capabilities in contemporary conflicts. The event continues to influence military planning and security cooperation strategies among nations observing the war.

As the Ukrainian Navy continues to assert its strength in the Black Sea, recent reports highlight further successful operations against Russian assets. In a series of strikes, Ukrainian forces have targeted and destroyed a patrol boat and a Ka-27 helicopter, showcasing their ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian military operations in the region. For a detailed account of these developments, read more about the latest Ukrainian strikes on Russian military assets here.