First sinking of a military ship since the Belgrano in the falklands war

[Gil Boyd]

Who do you believe? Interesting question when you consider Russia on paper to be one of the biggest and most well trained nations in the world.
Only last week a Russian Military drone was shot down and they found a Canon DSLR camera fitted into it, with the fabric of the drone looking like it was compiled by a model shop!
This week we are to believe the MOSKVA missile Cruiser was sunk by a Ukranian land to ship missile.
I would favour incompetence on board that led to the sinking, it seems to be indemic in all its Forces, so badly trained and not fit for purpose or am I wrong?. Their Military generally it appears to me, do not appear to have the appetite for this unecessary war against their fellow Slavs.
This is Reuters take on the sinking, the last sinking of a military cruiser since the Falklands War:

Russia has confirmed the Moskva missile cruiser, the flagship of its Black Sea Fleet, has sunk while being towed to port following what it said was a fire and explosions involving ammunition stowed onboard.

Ukraine says the Moskva's fate was sealed by a missile strike launched by its forces from the coast which ripped open the hulking Soviet-era ship's hull. Russia's defence ministry has not confirmed that version of events. Reuters is unable to verify either side's assertions.

Here's what we do know, and what the sinking means (and does not mean) for Russia's battle-readiness:

WHAT CAPABILITIES DOES THE SINKING DEPRIVE RUSSIA OF?

Russia has powerful air defence systems deployed in Crimea, which it seized from Ukraine in 2014, but the Moskva was able to provide long-range and mobile air defence protection for the entire Black Sea Fleet and was a floating command and control centre. Its loss potentially leaves the fleet more exposed, particularly on longer range missions west of Crimea.

WHAT HAPPENED TO THE CREW?

The ship had a crew of around 500 sailors who Russia said were successfully evacuated to other ships before being returned to their home port of Sevastopol in Crimea on Friday. Ukraine has suggested there are likely to have been fatalities, but Russia has not said anything on the subject yet.

Make your own minds up, bearing in mind proporganda works two ways when sides clash!!

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