On April 14th, 2022, the Russian warship Moskva (Moscow) was shot down by two Ukrainian anti-ship missiles. The Ukrainian missiles were fired from a land-based launcher near Odessa. The Moskva is the largest ship that has been sunk in wartime since World War II. This event is a staple of Ukraine's resistance against Russia's invasion. For about a week, almost no information was released about the attack, but on April 22, the Russia Defence Ministry released a statement confirming that one sailor from the Moskva was killed and 27 were missing, while 396 crew members were rescued.
In February, the Moskva was sent to help with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The ship was later used during the attack on Snake Island, along with the Russian patrol boat Vasily Bykov. The Moskva demanded the island's surrender over the radio. The Russians recieved the now-famous reply, "Russian warship, go f*** yourself". After this, all contact was lost with Snake Island, and the thirteen-member Ukrainian garrison was captured.
The sinking of the Moskva is definitely a big blow to Russia. According to an analysis by Forbes Ukraine on April 14, the sinking of the Moskva is the most costly single loss for the Russian military in the war to date, and the ship would cost around US$750 million to replace. As much as it is a big blow to Russia's navy, it is also a big morale booster for Ukraine. Mykola Bielieskov from Ukraine's National Institute for Strategic Studies said it was, "more about psychological damage than material damage". He also said that it would not completely lift Russia's naval blockade on Ukraine, but showed that Ukraine could defend against the biggest ship in Russia's entire navy.
The Moskva docked is Sevastopol Bay in 2012 The Moskva after the attack
![A large warship lists heavily to its port side. Smoke billows from its bridge toward the photographer, who is at the rail of another vessel; the arm of someone else on that vessel is visible in the foreground.]]](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b1/Moskva_Sinking.jpg/361px-Moskva_Sinking.jpg)
What do you think about Ukraine's resistance to the Russian invasion?
How do you think the sinking of the Moskva will affect the war in the future?
Replies
Good summary Ian but I would like some of your perosnal thoughts within the summary as well. It is a new topic so +5.
I am happy that Ukraine is fighting back and defending themselves. I think it sends a message that they are done messing around and they want it to end. I think this could help prevent other attacks and maybe even decrease the amount of possible damage.
I think that it is awesome that Ukraine is fighting back against russia because what Russia is doing is terrible. They are killing so many civilians that it is just crazy. I really hope ukraine wins because russia is just doing horrific things and this conflict needs to stop.
In my opinion it is a good thing that Ukraine is still standing up for the land and keep fighting, it is really proud. I think these small things are what cheers people up but Russia is too strong of a country compared to Ukraine, so we will see what will happen.
I agree that the small victories are very important, they are what keep people fighting. Russia is a very big country compared to Ukraine, so it will be very difficult to keep fighting against the Russians.
I think it's good that Ukraine continues to stand up for itself and fight against the Russian invasian. It's good for them to get these small victories for both morale and strategic advantage. I think that the sinking of this ship will help keep Ukraine safe from its attacks, at least for the time being.
I agree that it is good that Ukraine is fighting back against Russia. It is great to get small victories like this.
I think that Russia is getting their butts kicked since they came in all smug thinking that it would take a week to take over ukraine. I think that the sinking of this warship since this is their most expensive warship is a big hit to their morale.
I believe Ukraine has full right to sink the ship as a rebellion against Russia's efforts of taking over. If no one is going to help them, then they have every right to defend themselves by whatever means are necessary or available to them. It sends a clear message.
I agree that Ukraine has every right to fight back against Russia. I also agree that it sent a message to Russia, Ukraine, and the whole world.
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