A detailed account has emerged chronicling the final moments of the Russian missile cruiser Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, which was sunk by Ukrainian forces in April 2022. The story paints a chaotic scene of failure, destruction and desperation aboard the warship, which was struck by two Ukrainian Neptune missiles, resulting in the eventual sinking of the vessel a day later.
On 13 April 2022, at approximately 14:20 local time, the Moskva detected two incoming Ukrainian missiles just four kilometres away. The close range meant the Russian crew had no time to respond. The missiles slammed into the ship’s side just above the waterline, causing massive internal explosions, a raging fire and widespread damage. Survivors described hellish conditions, with collapsing bulkheads, thick smoke, shattered ladders and crew members leaping through portholes to survive. According to reports compiled by Dmitrii Shkrebets, the father of one of the missing sailors, many survivors owe their lives to a delay in a routine crew briefing, which kept them from the mess hall that became the epicentre of the blast.
Russian authorities claimed that 396 crew members were evacuated, with one confirmed death and 27 missing. Shkrebets, whose son was among the conscripted sailors onboard, has painstakingly compiled a comprehensive dossier including survivors’ testimonies and technical details exposing the dire condition of the warship prior to the strike.
The Moskva, according to an internal report by its own captain in February 2022, was in poor condition, suffering from severe technical problems and lacking proper maintenance. These issues were worsened by poor crewing decisions. Around 100 experienced sailors had been removed from the ship before the war and replaced with 83 inexperienced conscripts like Shkrebets’ son, despite Russian law forbidding conscripts from being sent into combat zones.
The cruiser was operating well within range of Ukrainian missile systems near the Odessa gas field without proper escort or support. Survivors report that radar and anti missile systems were malfunctioning, giving the Ukrainian strike team the opportunity to deliver a devastating blow. The second missile ignited fires that rapidly spread throughout the ship, disabling control systems and causing structural collapse. Had the ammunition stores exploded, the ship and most of its crew would have perished instantly.
The loss of Moskva was both a symbolic and strategic humiliation for Russia, and particularly for its dictator, Vladimir Putin, who had relied on the warship during the opening salvos of the illegal invasion of Ukraine, including the infamous operation at Snake Island. Its destruction demonstrated Ukraine’s resilience and ability to counter Russian aggression even against far larger forces.
Meanwhile, Ukraine’s 60th Mechanised Brigade continues to push back Russian forces with strategic precision. Operating near Torske in Donetsk region as of May 2025, they have destroyed several Russian armoured vehicles, tanks and even a heavy flamethrower system with the support of the 63rd Mechanised Brigade. They recently executed a successful ambush that halted a Russian advance and earned them national commendation for courage and bravery from President Volodymyr Zelensky on 26 February.
In contrast, United States President Donald Trump’s latest remarks drew criticism after he suggested Ukraine should seek peace with Russia due to the latter’s military might, stating he had told President Zelensky as much during a meeting at the Vatican. Trump, who remains sceptical of support for Ukraine, also used the moment to blame former US President Joe Biden for the chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan, calling it a failure of leadership.
