Ukrainian Navy Sink Key Russian Ferry, Disrupting Vital Supply Route

The Ukrainian Navy has confirmed the destruction of the Russian railway ferry 'Conro Trader, ' which sank at the 'Kavkaz' port in the Krasnodar region of Russia on August 22, 2024. This was announced by the Ukrainian Navy spokesperson, Dmytro Pletenchuk, in an interview with Radio Free Europe.

Pletenchuk stated that the ferry, which was used to transport fuel and weapons to Russian troops, was struck by Ukrainian forces. He indicated that the attack on this vessel was part of a strategic plan to diminish the enemy’s capabilities on the front lines.

According to sources within the Ukrainian Defense Forces, the strike on the ferry was likely carried out by a 'Neptune' missile. Satellite images from August 23, provided by Planet Labs and published by Radio Free Europe, reveal the destroyed ferry and several nearby small vessels, which may also have been damaged in the strike. The images also show damaged railway tracks leading to the water and signs of a fire.

The 'Kavkaz' port is a crucial hub for transporting goods between Kerch and Russia. The attack has led to a partial blockade of port operations, as other railway ferries in the port are either under repair or awaiting repair. The operation to strike the ferry was conducted by the Ukrainian Navy in collaboration with other branches of the Defense Forces.