London (Times Of Ocean)- Telegram accounts linked to the Wagner Group claim Bayraktar drones were used to distract the Moskva’s radar systems before a coastal battery fired on the ship with two Neptune missiles near Odesa.
Ukrainian TB2 drones distracted the defensive capabilities of Russia’s Black Sea flagship Moskva, which failed to intercept two Neptune missiles fired from a coastal artillery battery. Earlier yesterday, Ukraine claimed the warship was sunk ‘in a matter of minutes’ with all hands – more than 500 sailors, including First Captain Anton Kuprin.
Bayraktar TB2 is a Turkish-made medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) unmanned combat aerial vehicle.
The two Ukrainian anti-ship missiles have killed at least 100 crew members of Russian warships.
Moskva’s role also included providing cover for Russian ships using its anti-air missiles while they attacked cities and military sites with cruise missiles. Losing it will make Russians more vulnerable to strikes by Ukraine, including by fast jets or drones.
Russia destroys hundreds of Ukrainian aerial vehicles
U.S. defense officials confirmed on Friday that two Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship missiles struck the Russian cruiser Moskva on Wednesday, contradicting Russian claims that the flagship of the Black Sea fleet sank by accident.
Russian naval strength in the Black Sea has been dealt a “big blow” by the loss of the warship Moskva, the Pentagon has said.
Pentagon says “the Russian warship was engulfed in an inferno.” “This is going to have an effect on their capabilities.”
“This is a big blow to the Black Sea fleet, this is… a key part of their efforts to execute some sort of naval dominance in the Black Sea,” Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby told U.S. broadcaster CNN.