…Researched and contributed by Solomon Thomas.
On the one-year anniversary of the sinking of the Moskva cruiser – the flagship of Vladimir Putin’s Black Sea fleet – Ukraine has released footage claiming to show the missiles that sank the ship.
The footage shows Ukraine’s Neptune missile mobile launches blasting into the sky on their way to sinking the Moskva in the Black Sea.
Ukrainian officials have ridiculed their Russian counterparts with this footage.
The sinking of the Moskva took place on April 14, 2022, after the cruiser was struck by two Neptune missiles, causing significant damage to its left side.
The flagship was caught in a fiery blaze, and it now lies 150ft beneath the surface of the water.
Ukraine’s defence minister Oleksiy Reznikov has used the anniversary to taunt Russia, saying, “I invite you to visit a new dive spot,” referring to the Cruiser Moskva underwater museum.
He also derided Moscow’s warmongers, stating that the sinking of the warship changed the course of history, leading to the flight of Russian occupiers from Snake Island, which allowed Ukraine to open a “grain corridor” and gain resources for defence.
Meanwhile, a Russian father whose son died on the Moskva cruiser has vowed to expose the truth behind a Kremlin cover-up of the “humiliation.”
Dmitry Shkrebets, who lost his son Yegor in the attack, has criticised Putin and demanded answers to the fate of the lost men.
He faces a criminal investigation for protesting at alleged incompetence by commanders.
Analysis
The release of the Neptune missile footage by Ukraine is a clear message to Russia and President Putin, demonstrating the capability and resolve of Ukraine’s military forces.
The taunt by Ukraine’s defence minister will likely further stoke tensions between the two countries, which have been high since the annexation of Crimea in 2014.
The anniversary of the sinking of the Moskva has become a propaganda opportunity for both sides.
The comments made by the Russian father who lost his son on the Moskva cruiser are significant, as they highlight the human cost of the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia.
The father’s criticism of Putin and the Russian armed forces’ handling of the situation will resonate with those who have lost loved ones in the war.
The investigation against the father for protesting at alleged incompetence by commanders demonstrates the lack of transparency and accountability in the Russian armed forces.
Overall, the release of the Neptune missile footage and the comments made by both sides demonstrate the ongoing tensions and propaganda war between Ukraine and Russia.
The conflict has resulted in significant loss of life and remains a volatile and unresolved issue.