Ukraine’s military said on Thursday that it had destroyed a Russian ship at a port under Russian occupation in southern Ukraine, in what would be a success for the Ukrainians.
Russia has faced logistical challenges across Ukraine in its month-long invasion, and its forces have largely stalled in their efforts to advance on major cities. They have been most successful in the south.
The port of Berdyansk, which Russia captured in late February, offered Moscow a way to bring reinforcements and supplies closer to critical areas of fighting in Mariupol.
Videos and photos reviewed by The New York Times confirmed that a Russian ship was on fire at the port. At least two Alligator-class landing ships are listed in active service in Russia’s Black Sea Fleet: the Orsk and the Saratov.
“The destroyed ship in Berdyansk could carry up to 20 tanks, 45 armoured personnel carriers and 400 paratroopers,” the Ukrainian deputy defence minister, Anna Malyar, said on Thursday.
