Satellite images published on August 23 revealed the destruction of a Russian ferry, the Conro Trader, at the Kavkaz port in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai following an attack by Ukraine. The port is one of Russia’s largest passenger ports, serving the Kerch ferry crossing in the occupied Crimea. The images showed the destroyed ferry and other vessels nearby that may have been damaged in the strike. The attack resulted in damage to a part of the railroad track leading to the water. The Crimean Wind Telegram channel also shared photos and videos of smoke rising over the Taman Peninsula in Krasnodar Krai on the same day.
Local Russian authorities reported that the ferry sank in a Russian port soon after the attack, with 30 fuel tankers onboard at the time of the strike. As a result, the operation of the Kerch ferry crossing was halted by the Russian Transport Ministry. Since the beginning of Russia’s invasion, Ukraine has been targeting occupied Crimea and neighboring Krasnodar Krai in various attacks. Kyiv has previously targeted ferry crossings between occupied Crimea and Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. Ukraine’s military intelligence chief mentioned in early August that efforts were being made towards a “complex solution” to potentially destroy the illegally constructed Kerch Bridge in the upcoming months.
In another incident, Ukraine’s Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk reported that Ukraine’s Air Force carried out a strike on a platoon base in Russia’s Kursk region on August 22 using high-precision U.S. GBU-39 bombs. This attack showcases Ukraine’s continued efforts to target Russian military infrastructure beyond just Crimea and Krasnodar Krai. The use of U.S. weapons in these attacks also highlights the international support that Ukraine is receiving in its fight against Russian aggression. These actions are part of Ukraine’s broader strategy to defend its territory and target strategic locations in Russia to weaken its military capabilities.
The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, which escalated with Russia’s full-scale invasion, has led to increased military actions on both sides. Ukraine has been strategically targeting key Russian infrastructure and military bases in an effort to defend its sovereignty and weaken Russia’s military presence in the region. The use of satellite imagery and social media channels to share information about these attacks highlights the importance of independent journalism in the region. Support for independent media outlets like Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Schemes investigative project is crucial in providing accurate and timely information about the developments in the conflict zone.
The sinking of the Russian ferry at the Kavkaz port and the attack on the platoon base in the Kursk region demonstrate Ukraine’s determination to push back against Russian aggression. With ongoing support from international allies and efforts to disrupt key Russian infrastructure, Ukraine is making it clear that it will not back down in the face of Russian military threats. The use of advanced weaponry, including U.S. glide bombs, also indicates Ukraine’s capability to effectively target and destroy Russian military assets. As the conflict continues, it is essential for the international community to support Ukraine in its fight for independence and sovereignty. By joining forces with independent media outlets and providing resources to their cause, individuals can contribute to the fight for truth and transparency in a time of conflict.
