Reports counter Ukrainian claims: Russian vessel Kommuna remains largely undamaged.

According to information published by Radio Free Europe on April 23, 2024, recent satellite images analyzed by OSINT researcher MT Anderson indicate that the Russian rescue ship Kommuna has sustained minimal damage despite being involved in an incident.
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Russian Navy's rescue ship Kommuna. (Picture source: maina)

This development follows reports of missile strikes in the vicinity of Sevastopol on April 21, 2024, where explosions were heard. The Kommuna was reportedly targeted, but the latest images show the ship remains docked at its usual position near the pier, appearing to have no significant structural damage​.

MT Anderson compared two sets of satellite images taken before and after the reported incident to assess the extent of the damage. The images from April 20 and April 22 suggest that the Kommuna, though involved in the missile strike scenario, has not suffered major harm​​.

The Russian city's mayor, Mikhail Razvozhayev, confirmed that an attack had occurred but indicated that the defensive efforts were successful, hinting that the ship might have been part of the targets involved​.

Background on Kommuna

The Kommuna, launched in 1915, serves a unique role within the Russian Navy as a salvage ship. Primarily, it is tasked with deep-sea recovery operations, including submarine rescue and retrieving sunken military hardware.

The vessel's capabilities are crucial, especially given its involvement in historical and ongoing naval operations. Over the years, Kommuna has been adapted and refitted to accommodate modern rescue technologies, including deep-submergence rescue vehicles (DSRVs) designed to operate at significant depths.

Russian sources argue that such reports from Ukrainian media are part of a calculated propaganda effort, aiming to project an image of Ukrainian military prowess and to undermine the operational capabilities of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea.

From this perspective, the integrity and functionality of the Kommuna remain intact, contradicting Ukrainian claims of significant damage. This narrative emphasizes the importance of scrutinizing wartime communications critically, recognizing that both sides in the conflict may use media reports as a means to advance their strategic objectives.