Ukraine Claims Major Victory as Russia Withdraws Last Naval Patrol Ship from Crimea
Kyiv, Ukraine – In a significant triumph for Ukraine, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that Russian President Vladimir Putin has withdrawn the last remaining Russian naval patrol ship from its base in Crimea. This move is seen as a result of Ukraine's sustained and strategic campaign against Moscow’s naval presence on the occupied peninsula.
Ukraine has been relentless in its efforts to drive Russian naval forces out of Sevastopol, employing aerial and naval drones, along with missile strikes, to target Russian naval infrastructure. The majority of Putin’s Black Sea Fleet has now been relocated to the Russian port city of Novorossiysk.
“The last patrol ship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation is bolting from our Crimea just now. Remember this day,” declared Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk.
Over the course of the war, Ukraine's navy has managed to destroy or damage 27 Russian naval vessels, according to Ukraine’s navy chief, Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa. In May, Ukraine claimed the destruction of the last Russian warship armed with cruise missiles that was stationed in Crimea.
This development comes amid broader geopolitical dynamics, with President Zelensky expressing his readiness to work with former U.S. President Donald Trump, should he return to power in the upcoming presidential elections. “I am not afraid to work with Trump,” Zelensky stated, signaling his willingness to engage with any leadership in the United States that supports Ukraine's sovereignty and defense efforts.
The withdrawal of the last Russian patrol ship marks a critical milestone in Ukraine’s campaign to reclaim control over Crimea and diminish Russia’s strategic advantages in the Black Sea region. As the conflict continues, the resilience and tactical prowess of Ukrainian forces remain pivotal in shaping the outcomes on the battlefield.