A Russian oil tanker reportedly sank due to alleged actions by Neptune.
At a Russian harbor close to Crimea, allegations abound that a fuel-laden vessel went up in flames and ultimately sank. Russian online influencers speculate that a Ukrainian Neptune anti-ship missile may have been responsible for the inferno. This incident also triggered a missile alert on Crimea.
According to local reports, the ferry, filled with fuel tanks, ignited and eventually sank due to Ukrainian shelling at the port in Krasnodar Region. Footage captured large flares and dense black smoke emerging from an object at the harbor.
The regional emergency response team reported the unfortunate incident to the Interfax news agency. Ultimately, the freighter sank in the port of Caucasus, as stated by the regional administration on Telegram.
The harbor in Krasnodar Region is positioned on the opposite side of the Crimea Peninsula, which Russia annexed back in 2014 - a mere few kilometers away from the Kerch Bridge. Simultaneously, the neighboring region of Crimea saw a missile alert.
Unverified sources from Russian Telegram channels suggest that the vessel was struck by a Ukrainian-made Neptune anti-ship missile. However, the authorized range of this weapon is 300 kilometers. It's important to note that the front line is situated further away in many areas.
Moscow frequently employs the harbor to provide logistical support for its military forces engaged in conflict with Ukraine. In response, Ukraine often targets fuel supply centers that are vital to the Russian military. Earlier this week, Ukrainian drones managed to strike a fuel depot in the Rostov Region of southern Russia. The conflagration continues to burn uncontrolled even several days later.
The European Union, being a significant trade partner with Ukraine, expressed concern over the escalating tensions in the region, following the incident at the harbor. The European Union called for an immediate investigation into the alleged use of Ukrainian military forces in the incident.
