The ability of the Armed Forces to destroy the most formidable Russian ship in the Black Sea says a lot about the future of the navy in general.
The cruiser “Moscow” was the pride of the Russian Black Sea Fleet , a symbol of the country's dominance in the region and the power of its military machine. Cruise missiles were launched from its target in Ukraine.
Despite Russia's claim that a fire broke out at Moscow, the United States later confirmed that two Ukrainian Neptune missiles struck a Russian ship, killing an unknown number of sailors and sending it with its arsenal to the Black Sea. The destruction of “Moscow” was a great blow to the Russian navy and a sign of the beginning of a new era of military affairs, in which missiles from the shore destroy the most formidable and powerful ships. This was reported by the New York Times. It was also the largest combat loss at sea since 1982, when the Argentine Air Force sank a British destroyer and other ships during the Falklands War.
Russian cruise missiles destroyed homes in Ukrainian cities. Moscow's cannons also fired on the Ukrainian island of Zmiiny. Now the Kremlin's most powerful missile platform will be impossible to replace. The retired US military calls the Ukrainian Armed Forces' strike on Moscow a very significant counterattack.
I was once very impressed by this ship. With surface-to-surface missile launchers, the ship seemed very dangerous. However, as it turned out, he was unable to hold the blow, “said retired Admiral Samuel Cox.
The New York Times writes that the destruction of “Moscow” has a symbolic, diplomatic and military significance. Russian troops have already been withdrawn from the Ukrainian coast, US officials confirm. The Black Sea Fleet is still capable of launching missile strikes on Ukraine. However, he cannot provide any offensive landing operations on the coast. Analysts have said for years that a new generation of anti-ship missiles could jeopardize large and very important ships such as the Moscow or US Navy aircraft carriers. The success of the Armed Forces shows that this future has already come.
Read also: The destroyed cruiser “Moscow” could have nuclear weapons
“Moscow” itself was developed as a “killer of ships”. Its construction began in 1976. The ship was put into service in 1983. His task was to drown American aircraft carriers. And missile weapons on board allowed “Moscow” to destroy aircraft, ships and submarines. It has been modernized many times in recent years. Therefore, in theory, it should have had missile defense systems similar to those launched by the Armed Forces. The ship was armed with surface-to-air missiles with a range of 7 miles, as well as other missiles designed to destroy targets at a distance of 50 miles. Theoretically, such weapons were supposed to protect “Moscow” from “Neptune” missiles. But this whole arsenal didn't work.
“War is a cruel thing. We need to invest a lot in weapons that can neutralize everything that the enemy throws at you, “said Admiral Harry Rowhead.
The loss of “Moscow” is symbolically painful for Russia. However, the event has a very practical impact on the current war. The missiles with which the Russian army was going to shell the cities of Ukraine are now at the bottom of the Black Sea. And this undermines Russia's plans. Moscow would play a key role in any landing operation near Odessa. It would have to cover landing ships that would deliver soldiers and equipment to the coast. Now, according to Admiral Cox, any landing attack from the sea against Ukraine will be too dangerous for Russia. After all, its ships will be very vulnerable to Ukrainian attacks.
The farther the Russian fleet is from the coast, the more limited its ability to support a ground offensive against Ukrainian cities. The distance makes the blows from the sea more difficult. However, Russia's most powerful missiles are still capable of hitting Ukrainian territory. Some cruise missiles, which are in the service of the Russian fleet, are capable of traveling 2.5 thousand kilometers. At this time, Ukrainian Neptune missiles destroy the target at a distance of 300 kilometers. According to an unnamed Pentagon official, the Russian Black Sea Fleet was relatively unpunished before the attack on Moscow.
“They thought they could move in the Black Sea and go wherever they wanted. But it turned out not to be so, “said Admiral James Fogg.
Preventing an attack on Odessa has been a priority for the Ukrainian military, which in recent weeks has asked the United States and its allies to provide additional anti-ship missiles and other coastal defense weapons. A Ukrainian official told the Pentagon that anti-ship missiles were needed to open a new front and repel the Russian offensive. The strike on “Moscow” proved that Ukraine's request was “very far-sighted,” a spokesman for the US Department of Defense told the New York Times on condition of anonymity.
Read also: >
Admiral Foggo explained that a strong coastal defense would allow Ukraine to withstand the Russian Black Sea Fleet even without its own powerful ships. Missiles, smart mines and other defenses will help repel Russian ships. “
” It is not necessary to have warships to protect the coast of Ukraine. It is much easier to shoot from the shore. It is easier to defend than to attack. So now the Russians have serious problems, “Admiral Fogg explained.
The United States has responded to Ukraine's inquiries by adding $ 800 million to the military aid package. Senior Pentagon officials also asked U.S. military contractors at a meeting on Wednesday to develop proposals for additional anti-ship missiles that the United States could provide to Ukraine. Some American officials were surprised that Russia continued to deny the fact that Moscow was destroyed by Neptune missiles. They reiterated that the ship sank due to an accident on board. The Russian government is still trying to downplay Ukraine's success with the Russian public.
“The loss of the Black Sea Fleet's flagship is like losing the main pearl in the crown, a major blow to the prestige that I think has affected Putin himself, given his efforts to restore Russia's naval status,” said a professor at the Norwegian Institute for Defense Studies. in Oslo Katarzyna Zisk.
US officials also note that the destruction of “Moscow” has also demonstrated the strategic importance for Ukraine to move the battle from cities to the Black Sea, where the Russian navy has long dominated. Admiral Foggo also pointed out that the Ukrainian coup had revealed deep problems in the Russian army. Well-trained sailors could stop the flow of water through the hole, put out the fire and save the ship. But this did not happen.
Note that it was the missile cruiser “Moscow” that threatened the defenders of Snake Island , and then was sent in that direction , where the Russian army has been sent by our Armed Forces for 49 days.
See the special topic: Zelensky said what was being done to save Mariupol and what could speed up the process. The destruction of Ukrainian defenders in Mariupol will put an end to negotiations with Russia – Zelensky According to the President of Ukraine, Mariupol – it may be like ten Borodyanok. Holy Far. About a priest who saves not only the souls but also the lives of Ukrainians Do what you have to do, and let it be what should be The Ministry of Education and Science told , whether students will be able to take the simplified external evaluation abroad Physical presence is required for taking the test. Occupiers repress commanders who “did not live up to expectations” in the war with Ukraine – GUR Ministry of Defense to the “black list”.
