Explainer | Will sinking of Russia’s Moskva flagship change the course of the Ukraine war?
- The floating command centre provided protection for Moscow’s entire Black Sea Fleet, and its capabilities cannot be easily replaced
- But while the loss of the warship is a bitter blow to Russian pride, its navy so far has not played a big role in the conflict
Russia has confirmed the Moskva missile cruiser, the flagship of its Black Sea Fleet, has sunk while being towed to port following what it said was a fire and explosions involving ammunition stowed on board.
Ukraine says the Moskva’s fate was sealed by a missile strike launched by its forces from the coast which ripped open the hulking Soviet-era ship’s hull. Russia’s defence ministry has not confirmed that version of events.
A senior Pentagon official on Friday confirmed Kyiv’s account, saying the warship was hit by two anti-ship Neptune missiles before it sank in the Black Sea in a “big blow” for Moscow. The official spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity.
Here’s what the sinking means (and does not mean) for Russia’s battle-readiness.
What capabilities has Russia lost?
Russia has powerful air defence systems deployed in Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, but the Moskva was able to provide long-range and mobile air defence protection for the entire Black Sea Fleet and was a floating command and control centre. Its loss degrades the fleet’s air defences, particularly on longer range missions.
