Putin’s Black Sea Fleet base hit by ‘Storm Shadow’ missile strike in occupied Crimea
A Ukrainian missile attack has struck the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.
It was claimed to have been hit with a Storm Shadow, the type supplied by Britain and France.
Dozens of ambulances were reported at the headquarters in Sevastopol, the naval port in occupied Crimea, following Friday’s strike.
The building was on fire and had partially collapsed.
It suffered “severe damage”, said one report.
Debris from the missile attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet was scattered over hundreds of metres.
The Russian defence ministry said one person had died in the strike.
The ministry claimed five missiles were shot down, but one hit the target.
The claims could not be confirmed.
“The enemies launched a missile attack on the fleet headquarters,” said Mikhail Razvozhaev, the Putin-appointed governor of the city.
He warned of the risk of a second attack and urged locals to stay away from the city.
“A fragment [of a missile] fell close to the Lunacharsky Theatre….
“All emergency services arrived at the scene.
“Information about the victims is being clarified.
“Please remain calm. And do not post photos and videos.”
The official said: “Attention everyone!
“Another attack is possible.
“Please do not travel to the city centre. Don’t leave buildings.
“At the sound of the siren, everyone who is near the fleet headquarters should proceed to shelters.
“Employees of the Russian Ministry of Emergency Situations are working on the spot….
“Firefighters are taking all measures to put out the fire as quickly as possible. The build-up of forces and means continues.”
Prominent Russian pro-war blogger Vladimir Rogov said: “The headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol was attacked by Ukrainian missiles.”
He said the attack was carried out “by British Storm Shadow missiles”.
This was not immediately confirmed.
The Black Sea Fleet has been responsible for multiple missile attacks on Ukraine, and is central to Vladimir Putin’s subjugation of around one-fifth of Ukrainian territory.
Other explosions hit elsewhere in Crimea including around peninsula capital Simferopol.
Ukraine has previously used Storm Shadow and Neptune missiles to target Crimea as well as kamikaze drones.
Drones were downed on Friday in Sevastopol harbour.
The attack came as Putin held a meeting of his security council on relations with neighbouring countries.