Russian Black Sea Fleet Commander Likely Killed in Ukrainian Missile Strike, Multiple Reports Say

Ukrainian officials are yet to formally confirm if the Russian Black Sea Fleet commander, Adm. Viktor Sokolov, was among the 34 officers killed after a row of Ukrainian missile strikes hit Sevastopol over the weekend.

Ukrainian special forces also said via Telegram Monday (September 25) that an additional 105 Russian personnel were injured.

Sokolov was assigned as commander of the Black Sea Fleet by Russian President Vladimir Putin to restore the fleet's pride after the sinking of the fleet's flagship, Moskva, last year.

Recap on the Missile Strikes

On Friday (September 22), British-supplied Storm Shadow missiles were fired against the Crimean port city. While Russian defense officials say they have shot down five of the attacking missiles, some have hit their targets, including the headquarters of the Russian Navy's Black Sea Fleet, which military officials in Kyiv said was beyond repair.

A second attack was launched the day after (Saturday, September 23).

The missiles were also allegedly used to severely damage two Russian warships drydocked in Sevastopol earlier this month.

Following the operation, Ukrainian military intelligence chief Gen. Kyrylo Budanov said several high-ranking Russian military personnel were injured in the strikes but fell short of confirming or denying reports surrounding Sokolov's alleged death, Newsweek reported.