Fate of Russia Warship Unclear After Ukrainians Claim Strike
SnopesSep 09, 2022
Day 50 Roundup: Russian Warship Sinks, Ukraine Braces For Eastern Offensive
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Image copyright: Reuters [via The Guardian]
The Facts
Russian warship the Moskva sunk on Thurs., according to a Russian defense ministry statement. The ship was reportedly the flagship of its Black Sea fleet. The crew were evacuated.
Maksym Marchenko, gov. of Odesa, said two anti-ship Neptune missiles struck the Moskva, without providing further details. His statement couldn't be independently verified. Russia, on the other hand, said there was an ammunition fire on board with no mention of a missile strike.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
This invasion is an egregious violation of international law. Putin's ultimate aim is to restore the Soviet empire, even if it takes massive bloodshed and false pretexts such as calling the 2014 Ukrainian revolution after a fraudulent election a "coup". This unprovoked attack is the latest chapter in Putin's Orwellian attempt to rewrite history.
Pro-Russia narrative
NATO and the US have ignored Russia's security concerns by breaking its promise not to expand eastward in return for German reunification. These concerns are legitimate and taking them seriously would have avoided the Ukraine tragedy.
