Recent satellite images provided by Planet Labs reveal the extent of damage to the Zalyv shipyard in Kerch, a city located in temporarily occupied Crimea. The images also show a ship that appears to be damaged.

According to Andriy Ryzhenko, a 1st Rank Captain of the Ukrainian Navy Reserve, the satellite images indicate that as of November 4, there was only one ship present in Kerch capable of carrying Kalibr class missiles, namely the Askold. The Askold is a 22800 Karakurt-type small missile ship able to carry up to 8 Kalibr missiles. Ryzhenko noted that the destruction of such a vessel is a significant concern for Ukraine’s security.

The explosions that occurred on November 4 in the vicinity of Kerch were confirmed by the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Eyewitnesses also reported seeing plumes of smoke above the Zalyv shipyard in Kerch.

Furthermore, Lieutenant General Mykola Oleshchuk, Commander of Ukraine’s Air Force, later revealed that during the strike, one of the “most modern” ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, a Kalibr cruise missile carrier, was present at the Zalyv shipyard.

The satellite images indicate that the ship, Askold, was already docked and nearing readiness for operation in December. Although the ship is still afloat, the upper part of it sustained noticeable damage.

The damaged shipyard and ship in Kerch offer important insights into ongoing military activities in the region. The Ukrainian Navy Reserve and the Armed Forces of Ukraine are closely monitoring the situation and taking necessary measures to safeguard Ukraine’s security.

(Note: Due to the removal of sources, contact information, and quotes, the exact source of the satellite images and the specific confirmation of the ship’s destruction have been omitted from this rewritten article.)