Today, Tuesday, the Russian Ministry of Defense published a photo showing Viktor Sokolov, commander of the Black Sea Fleet, participating in a video conference, after Ukraine announced his death.
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The official appears in the photo on a large screen, along with other senior military officials attending a meeting chaired by Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu. The statement, which did not mention the officer’s name, indicated that this meeting took place on Tuesday.
The officer appears to have a large white pillow or armchair behind his back.
In a video clip published later, the leader appears in the picture several times, without speaking.
On Friday, Ukraine bombed with missiles the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in the city of Sevastopol in the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Russia. The Ukrainian army said on Monday that among the 30 officers killed in the raid was Commander Sokolov.
Russia, which has never provided information on its military casualties, for its part only provided a report of one person missing after the bombing.
Moscow did not comment on this allegation, while the Kremlin remained very vague on Tuesday about the commander’s fate.
Dmitry Peskov, Russian presidential spokesman, told reporters: “There is no information on this matter from the Ministry of Defense. We have nothing to say,” referring to the Ministry of Defense.
The attack on the Russian fleet headquarters illustrates the increasing difficulties Russia faces in defending itself from Ukrainian missile and drone attacks.
However, the peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014, is essential for the Russian Navy as well as logistics and supplies for the forces occupying southern Ukraine.
Ukraine, which is leading a large-scale counterattack to liberate the occupied territories, is trying to strike the Russian rear to disrupt the defenses and the army’s ability to resist.
But three months later, Ukraine’s territorial gains remain limited.
