The Sinking of the Moskva: Ukraine's Secret Weapon

In April 2022, a significant event unfolded in the Black Sea, shaking the foundations of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The flagship of the fleet, the Moskva, was unexpectedly sunk by Ukraine's seemingly feeble navy, marking a humiliating incident for Russia and its most substantial naval loss since World War II.

What made this incident even more astonishing was the revelation of Ukraine's secret weapon: the Neptune missile system. With an impressive range of over 200 kilometers, the Neptune missiles proved to be a formidable force against the Moskva. This unexpected strike left the Russian flagship powerless, eventually leading to its demise beneath the waves.

However, the Ukrainian Navy's success did not come without its challenges. Following the annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia had seized a significant portion of Ukraine's fleet, leaving them severely depleted. Despite this setback, the Neptune missiles provided a glimmer of hope for Ukraine, allowing them to strike back and shatter the air defense umbrella provided by the Moskva.

The sinking of the Moskva became a turning point in the ongoing conflict, as it enabled the Ukrainian Navy to assert its dominance in the Black Sea. With the Russian Navy now vulnerable, Ukraine seized the opportunity to harass their adversaries and secure their own coast.

Furthermore, the success of the Neptune missiles has not gone unnoticed by NATO allies. The demonstration of Ukraine's capabilities has garnered increased support from NATO, strengthening their position in the region and potentially altering the dynamics of the conflict.

Join us as we delve into the details of this remarkable event, exploring the implications it holds for both Ukraine and Russia, and the potential ramifications for the wider geopolitical landscape.

A special edition of Editor’s Picks from The Economist’s summer double issue. This week, we take a deep dive into how Ukraine’s virtually non-existent navy sank the Moskva, Russia’s flagship in the Black Sea.

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