Last night marked the 50th day of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In his nightly address to his country, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that the people should be proud of having survived 50 days when invaders gave them a “maximum of five.”
Zelenskyy said that when Russia first invaded, he was urged by even the friendliest of world leaders to leave the country, unsure if Ukraine could survive. He said they did not know how brave Ukrainians are, and how much they value freedom and the chance to live how they want to.
The speech came on a day that saw Moscow suffer a crushing symbolic defeat, with the stinging loss of the Black Sea fleet flagship.
The boat got a quick mention in his speech when Zelenskyy noted those who “showed that Russian warships can sail away, even if it’s to the bottom” of the sea.
It was the only reference made to the gem of the Black Sea fleet, named Moskva, which sank yesterday while being towed to port after suffering enormous damage.
How that damage was inflicted remains under dispute, as Ukrainian officials say it was struck by their forces’ missiles, and Moscow acknowledged only fire on board but no attack.
The boat was a big symbol in the war and made it a symbolic defeat for Russia as its troops regrouped for a renewed offensive after retreating from most of the north. The ship also had the capacity to carry big missiles, and the removal of it reduces Russia’s artillery capabilities in the Black Sea.
At the beginning of Russia’s invasion, the Moskva was called on Ukrainian soldiers stationed on Snake Island to surrender in a standoff. A Ukrainian soldier responded, “Russian warship, go f*ck yourself.” It became a huge moment of defiance. For that ship to now sink provides an even more symbolic win for Ukraine, experts say.
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