Military headquarters are located in Sevastopol on the Crimean Peninsula; Ukraine has denied responsibility for the attack
Russian authorities said on Sunday (07/31/2022) that Ukraine carried out attacks on the Russian fleet in the Black Sea. The military headquarters is located in Sevastopol on the Crimean peninsula.
On his Telegram channel, the region’s governor Mikhail Razvozhayev said that a drone flew over the headquarters’ outer courtyard. At least 5 people were injured and local authorities announced the cancellation of celebrations in honor of Russian Navy Day. The event is celebrated this Sunday (July 31).
“The circumstances are being investigated. Please keep calm and stay at home as much as possible,” Razvozhayev said.
Ukraine has denied being behind the attack. The country’s navy said in a statement that the episode was a “madeup excuse” by Russia to cancel its parade and “not to be ashamed in front of the whole world.”
“With such statements, the enemy recognizes its inadequate air defenses and even more doubts the existence of the Crimean bridge,” he said, referring to the rail link that was built across the Kerch Strait after Russia annexed the peninsula in 2014.
The bridge consists of two parallel structures intended for car and train traffic. It connects the Crimea with the Russian city of Krasnodar. The structure also carries symbolic weight: it shows that Russia retains control of the peninsula.
“We remind you that the Defense Forces of Ukraine are taking measures to liberate our occupied territories, using available weapons for this purpose. Our targets are Russian military equipment. We do not attack the territory of the Russian Federation. Crimea is Ukraine,” concluded the Ukrainian Navy.
RUSSIAN NAVY
Navy Day is a public holiday celebrated annually in Russia. During celebrations, naval fleets hold parades and honor their sailors.
Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the celebrations in St. Petersburg and Kronstadt Island this Sunday (July 31). According to the Kremlin, more than 40 ships and submarines, 42 aircraft and 3,500 soldiers took part in the event.
In his speech, Putin said Russia will “defend its national interests in every corner of the planet.” It also announced that new Zircontype hypersonic missiles will be implemented in August.
“Here the capabilities of the Russian Navy are paramount. It is able to respond immediately to anyone who decides to conflict with our sovereignty and freedom, and successfully carry out its strategic missions. […]. Its coastal, surface, air and submarine forces are well prepared for decisive action. They are constantly being improved,” he said.