Russia salvages its large landing ship hit by Ukrainian missile in March as war rages

As Russia-Ukraine war entered day 130, Moscow managed to rescue a massive landing ship which was scuttled by its crew after Kyiv’s forces damaged vessel in landing port of Berdyansk on 24 March. A Russian-appointed official in sourn Ukraine, Vlimir Rogov said on Telegram that Ukraine attacked port held by Moscow with Tochka-U ballistic missiles. He informed that Russian crew decided to sink ship “to prevent detonation of on-board munitions by fire that h started”.

It is also first time that Russia confirmed Ukrainian missiles hitting its large landing even though Kyiv h said that it shelled vessel. BBC stated that Russian reports have not mentioned details of ship’s damage but say that it will be towed to Kerch in Crimea. Black Sea peninsula was taken by Russia in 2014. 

Ukraine named Russian ship ‘Orsk’ sank on March 24

Earlier, while bagging a victory in early days of war, Ukrainian military h named Russian ship ‘Orsk’ which was attacked on 24 March. However, as per report, ship salvaged by Russia now is named ‘Saratov’. Orsk is anor of six large landing ships in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. media outlet stated that fleet’s website has confirmed Saratov’s sinking and that it was damaged on 24 March but did not mention an attack by Ukraine as cause.

Contricting version posted by Rogov on Telegram, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet’s website said that Saratov “was damaged by fire and explosions triggered by it" and ded, “With damage to its hull ship sank at its berth”.

While war is now entering its fifth month, Ukraine took pride in knocking out Black Sea Fleet Flagship, missile cruiser Moskva in April. Ukrainian military struck ship with two Neptune missiles which ultimately led to sinking of Moskva. Russia, however, disputed Kyiv’s claims and said that ship sank after a huge fire on board. Saratov, as per report, joined Soviet navy in 1964 and can carry up to 20 tanks, or 25 armoured personnel or 50 trucks and 400 marines.

Image: AP