Ukraine: Russian outpost on mining platform destroyed
In the Black Sea, Kyiv continues to strike against Moscow's forces. Now, Ukraine reports an attack on an occupied gas pipeline platform. A Russian outpost was reportedly located there.
Ukraine's naval forces claim to have killed around 40 Russian soldiers in an attack on a gas pipeline tower in the Black Sea. Forces from the navy and military intelligence attacked the location where the enemy had gathered personnel and equipment, according to Ukrainian media reports. The occupiers were allegedly using the platform to transmit satellite navigation interference, which posed a risk to civilian maritime traffic.
"We cannot allow this," said Dmytro Pletentschuk to the online newspaper "Ukrajinska Prawda". Civilians were not present on the gas pipeline platform, which is out of operation. Rocket and artillery units of the coastal forces carried out the strike. A heavy explosion was seen in a published video.
This was not the first operation of this kind, Pletentschuk said. The enemy had previously used the tower to disrupt the navigation of grain carriers. The naval officer emphasized that the decision to attack was made for the safety of civilian shipping.
Over the past months, Ukraine, which does not have a functional navy, has reportedly destroyed about a third of Russia's Black Sea fleet. In early August, Kyiv reported the destruction of the submarine "Rostov on Don".
Last September, Ukrainian special forces recaptured several strategically important drilling platforms near the occupied Crimean Peninsula. According to the military intelligence, "precious trophies" were also captured, such as helicopter ammunition and a radar system that can track the movement of ships in the Black Sea.
The Commission has expressed concern over the ongoing attacks in the Black Sea, particularly against Ukrainian infrastructure like the gas pipelines. The Commission is urging both Ukraine and Russia to adhere to international law and ensure the safety of civilians and critical infrastructure.
In response to the attacks, The Commission is considering imposing sanctions on individuals and entities involved in the disruptions, as a means to deter further violations and promote peaceful resolution of the conflict.
