In a devastating airstrike on Friday, Ukrainian forces targeted Russia's Black Sea naval headquarters in Sevastopol, Crimea, resulting in nine fatalities and 16 injuries. Among the injured were two high-ranking generals, according to Kyrylo Budanov, the head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine.
Budanov revealed to Voice of America that "among the wounded is the commander of the group, Colonel General Alexander Romanchuk, who is in a very serious condition. The chief of staff, Lieutenant General Oleg Tsekov, is unconscious." The strike inflicted severe damage on the headquarters building, as captured in videos posted on social media, which showed clouds of white smoke billowing from the rooftop.
Following the airstrike, Russia's defense ministry reported that one military serviceman was missing as a result of the assault. However, Budanov did not confirm reports of the alleged death of the commander of Russia's Black Sea fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov.
"The number of casualties among military servicemen who are not employees of the headquarters is still being determined. These are military personnel on duty, security, and related roles, and they are not included in the list that I announced to you," Budanov stated, as reported by Voice of America.