Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk/Photo: Ukrinform
The large amphibious assault ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Caesar Kunikov, which was reported to have been struck by the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, has now sunk. This vessel, constructed during the Soviet era in Poland, was widely respected among sailors for its convenience.
This was reported by Dmytro Pletenchuk, captain 3rd Rank, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy on Hromadske Radio.
On February 14, the General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces confirmed the hit on the Russian warship Caesar Kunikov in the Black Sea.
«The extent of the damage to the ship is being assessed by Black Sea gobies since it is in an underwater position, having joined the bottom fleet of the Russian Black Sea Fleet… The vessel has completely sunk», — stated Pletenchuk.
The Caesar Kunikov, part of Project 75, was constructed during the Soviet era in Poland. Open sources reveal that the ship had a crew capacity of 87 members.
«This particular project was the 75th and earned respect among sailors because, unlike typical Soviet ships, it was notably comfortable and more ergonomic for the staff. The primary purpose of such ships was to land on unequipped coasts, capable of transporting significant equipment and manpower», — explained the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy.
He also recalled that ships like the Caesar Kunikov were used by the Russians to intimidate Ukrainians, including residents of Odesa, two years ago.