Russia admits warship hit in turbulent Christmas

By Stefan J. Bos  

Russia's Ministry of Defence said Tuesday that Ukrainian plane-launched guided missiles struck the large landing ship Novocherkassk.

Moscow didn't specify how much the Russian ship was damaged, but online videos showed a massive fire in the port area.

Ukrainian authorities claimed the vessel was destroyed and said it was likely carrying an ammunition shipment, possibly including drones.

Moscow claimed the two Ukrainian fighter jets involved in the attack were destroyed by anti-aircraft fire, but there was no immediate confirmation from Kyiv.

The Russia-appointed head of Crimea, Sergei Aksyonov, said one person was killed in Tuesday's attack and several others were injured. He added that six buildings were damaged, and a small group had to be taken to temporary accommodation centers.

In recent months, Ukrainian forces have increased attacks around Crimea, mostly with sea drones.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said those strikes enabled Ukraine to restore navigation in the Black Sea and allowed the export of millions of tons of Ukrainian grain.

In September, a Ukrainian attack hit the headquarters of Russia's Black Sea Fleet in the Crimean city of Sevastopol, killing one person, and Ukraine launched more missiles against the city on the following day.

Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine in 2014, ahead of its full invasion of the country in February last year

New date for Christmas in Ukraine

Tuesday's attack came after Ukraine officially celebrated Christmas on December 25 for the first time since 1917.

Authorities view the move as more than just a change of date from January 7—the date for Christmas in the Julian calendar, which Russia uses.

Kyiv has made it clear that it is part of a significant cultural and religious shift in the country and an attempt to eradicate Moscow's influence in the wartorn nation.

The introduction of the Western Gregorian calendar is also seen as a sign of Kyiv's ongoing attempt to further integrate into Europe as it seeks membership in the European Union.

Kyiv resident Sasha Soronevych says changing the date is of symbolic importance. "I feel like it will not only change the date but also the feelings inside us."