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Russia’s claim to have the “last of the Ukrainian warships” out of action would have “almost no impact” on Ukraine’s naval power, according to experts.
On Wednesday, Russia’s defense ministry said it had “destroyed” the Ukrainian ship Yuri Olefirenko in a “high-precision strike.” The vessel was taken out on May 29 in the southern Ukrainian port of Odesa, Russia said in an operational update.
Ukraine has not confirmed the claims, but Ukraine’s Navy has declined to comment to news outlets. Newsweek has reached out to Ukraine’s defense ministry and General Staff of the Armed Forces for comment via email.
The Yuri Olefirenko—a landing vessel used for transporting troops and vehicles, including tanks—was built in Poland in 1970, according to military outlet Naval News. It was transferred to Ukraine’s Navy in the post-Soviet period.