Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander Appears After Ukraine Claims He Was 'Dead'

According to RIA Novosti, the meeting was chaired by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The Russian Defense Ministry released photos and videos of the meeting showing the participation of Mr. Sokolov and top generals of the Russian Navy and Army.

Admiral Sokolov, wearing his military uniform, attended the meeting online, according to an approximately eight-minute video broadcast on Russian state television. He appeared on screen several times but was not quoted as saying anything.

Tư lệnh Hạm đội Biển Đen của Nga xuất hiện sau tuyên bố 'thiệt mạng' từ Ukraine - Ảnh 1. — Admiral Viktor Sokolov

Earlier on September 26, when asked about Mr. Sokolov's situation at a press conference, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said there was no information about the commander and asked reporters to contact the Russian Ministry of Defense.

On September 25, the Ukrainian military's special operations forces announced that 34 officers, including Mr. Sokolov, were killed in Kyiv's attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in the city of Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula on September 22.

Quick overview: What are the latest developments in Russia's military operation in Ukraine on day 579?

On the day of the attack, the Russian Defense Ministry announced that its forces shot down five Ukrainian missiles, one Black Sea Fleet serviceman was missing, and a headquarters building was damaged.

In the latest video released by the Russian Ministry of Defense, Minister Shoigu stated that more than 17,000 Ukrainian soldiers were killed in September and more than 2,700 weapons, including seven American Bradley fighting vehicles, were destroyed.

"The Ukrainian armed forces are suffering serious losses along the entire front line," Shoigu told his generals, adding that Ukraine's counter-offensive had so far failed.

"The United States and its allies continue to arm the armed forces of Ukraine, and the Kyiv regime throws untrained soldiers into slaughter in senseless attacks," Shoigu said at the meeting.

Ukrainian intelligence chief: Abrams tanks should only be used in crucial operations.

Kyiv did not immediately comment on the latest information from the Russian Ministry of Defense.

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