A Russian warship carrying Kalibr cruise missiles (Photo: Tass).
Ukraine's Southern Command announced on April 22 that 11 Russian warships are on combat alert in the Black Sea, including two submarines equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles.
"The situation in the southern region controlled by the defense forces remains difficult, but we continue to fight. The enemy group of ships in the Black Sea consists of 11 ships, two of which are equipped with eight Kalibr cruise missiles," Ukrainian forces confirmed.
The 3M14 Kalibr (NATO reporting name SS-N-30A) is a land-attack cruise missile (LACM) and an improved version of the 3M-14E Club LACM. It has an estimated range of 1,500km to 2,000km and is currently the strategic weapon that ensures the Russian Navy's land attack capability.
The Kalibr carries a 450 kg warhead and can be equipped with both conventional and nuclear weapons. The missile is 6.2 m long and has a turbojet engine. In the Ukrainian battlefield, the Kalibr cruise missile is one of the main long-range attack weapons of the Russian army. Moscow has launched a series of these missiles from warships in the Black Sea at many targets on Ukrainian territory, causing heavy losses in human lives and property.
The leader of the Crimean peninsula administration in southern Ukraine said today that air defense systems had been activated, but did not report any damage or casualties.
"Air defense forces have been operating in the skies over Crimea. There have been no damages or casualties. I ask everyone to remain calm and believe only reliable sources of information," Sergei Aksyonov, a Russian-appointed government official in Crimea, said on Telegram.
Mr. Aksyonov did not say what the target of the air defense forces was or specify the location of the military operation.
Map of Ukraine (Photo: NYT).
Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 after a controversial referendum. Moscow has declared Crimea an inalienable and non-negotiable territory. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian government has refused to negotiate peace until Russia agrees to withdraw all its troops, including from Crimea.
Analysts say that although Russia seems to view the Black Sea as less of a strategic location for the current conflict, Moscow has decided to increase its presence in the sea because tactically, Russia needs warships in the Black Sea in case Ukraine pushes ahead with its efforts to retake Crimea.
According to some experts, although retaking Crimea is not Ukraine's main goal at the moment, Russia may place additional missiles in the Black Sea region in case of a preemptive strike on the peninsula.
Another reason could be that NATO troops, including US soldiers, have been participating in military exercises in the Black Sea. Therefore, Russia tends to respond with a show of force.
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