russia probably planned to use large amphibious assault ships for a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. However, today they are mostly used for cargo transportation. This is stated in an intelligence report published by the British Ministry of Defense, reports UNN.
Details
The department confirmed that on December 25, 2023, the large amphibious assault ship of the russian fleet Novocherkassk was completely destroyed after an attack by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. At that time, the VDK was in the port of Russian-occupied Feodosia.
Given the force of the explosion, analysts assume that the ship was probably transporting explosive cargo. It is noted that this could have caused a secondary detonation.
Britain's Ministry of Defense emphasizes that russia has doubled the number of large amphibious assault ships in the Black Sea, ahead of a full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It is likely that the Russians were planning an attack from the sea in their attempts to seize southern Ukraine.
As the war has dragged on, these ships have been used more frequently to provide logistical support. This is an important role because it reinforces the vital and relatively unstylish road and rail link of the Crimean Bridge, which connects Crimea to russia
Addendum
The agency also added that with the Novocherkassk, russia has already lost three large amphibious assault ships since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The first Saratov sank on March 22, 2022, followed by the Minsk destroyed in dry dock on September 13, 2023. In addition, Ukraine allegedly damaged two more Russian amphibious assault ships.
Recall
New satellite images confirm that the large amphibious assault ship Novocherkassk has partially submerged after the Ukrainian army attack.