Russian Warship Destroyed In Black Sea As Ukraine Consolidates Victories Over Putins Forces
This footage shows a Russian warship that was destroyed in the Black Sea by Ukrainian forces as the country consolidates its victories over Vladimir Putin’s forces.
The images were reportedly filmed in the port of Berdiansk, in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, in south-eastern Ukraine, miles from devastated Mariupol.
The footage was obtained early this morning (Thursday, 24th March) by Newsflash from the Ukrainian Navy, along with a statement. The images were also released by the General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which also issued a statement obtained by Newsflash.
A first piece of footage shows large flames and explosions emanating from what appears to be a Russian warship docked in port in the Black Sea.
The second piece of footage, filmed from further away, features popping sounds, which appear to be explosions coming from the ship, which can be seen on fire and severely damaged as thick plumes of smoke gush into the sky.
The Ukrainian Navy said that the vessel was a paratrooper ship called the Orsk and that it belonged to the “Black Sea fleet of the occupiers”.
The Navy added that the vessel was destroyed in the port of Berdiansk, which is currently occupied by Russian forces and is located approximately 80 kilometres (50 miles) from Mariupol, which has been devastated by Russian bombs.
The Ukrainian General Staff promised that “there will be more”, saying that the Russian occupation of the port city of Berdiansk was only “temporary”.
Both the Ukrainian Navy and the General Staff signed off with “Glory to Ukraine!”
The Ukrainian victory over the Russian vessel comes as NATO, the G7, and the European Union all meet today in Brussels. It will also be the first time that a US president will attend a European Union summit, with Joe Biden making the trip across the Atlantic to attend all three meetings.
The Secretary General of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg, said at a press conference yesterday evening (Wednesday) that the NATO meeting is a “pivotal moment for our security.”
He added: “President Putin’s brutal invasion of Ukraine is causing death and destruction every day.”
The Secretary General also said that the “allies stand united in support for the brave people of Ukraine and against the Kremlin’s cruelty”.
He added that “Putin must end this war” and allow “aid and safe passage for civilians”, urging him to “engage in real diplomacy”.
Stoltenberg said that “there are now hundreds of thousands of Allied troops at heightened readiness across the Alliance” including “100,000 US troops in Europe” and that “further decisions” can be expected today.
He said: “Ukraine has the right to self-defence under the UN Charter. And we are helping Ukrainians to uphold this fundamental right.”
The Pentagon has confirmed Ukrainian claims that its forces have successfully pushed back Russian forces from the capital Kyiv and reclaimed territory, pushing them back some 20 miles.