Ukraine hits Russian Black Sea fleet HQ in Crimea

A Ukrainian missile struck the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea fleet, A Russian official in Crimea said Friday. Crimea has been targeted by Ukraine throughout Russia’s offensive but attacks there have recently intensified as Kyiv vows to recapture the Black Sea peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014. “The headquarters of the fleet have been hit in an enemy missile attack,” Mikhail Razvozhayev, the governor of Crimea’s largest city Sevastopol, said on social media. Razvozhayev said that missile fragments had fallen near a theatre. In a second post, he warned that another Ukrainian aerial attack could be imminent, urging residents of the city, which is home to more than 500,000 people, to remain indoors. “Attention everyone! Another attack is possible. Please do not go to the city centre. Do not leave buildings,” he said. “Everyone who is near the headquarters of the fleet — at the sound of the siren proceed to shelters,” Razvozhayev added. He said rescue workers were at the scene of the attack, adding: “Firefighters are taking all measures to eliminate the fire as soon as possible.” Ukrainian and Russian attacks in and around the Black Sea have increased since Moscow withdrew from an accord that allowed safe passage to civilian cargo ships from three Ukrainian ports. Ukraine has urged its allies to provide its armed forces with long-range missiles so it can target positions deeper inside Russia-controlled territory. Western leaders had hesitated over concerns Ukraine could target Russian territory and thereby escalate the conflict.