Russia says fire on Black Sea warship ‘under control’

Moscow, Apr 14 (EFE).- The Russian ministry of defense said on Thursday the fire on the Black Sea warship Moskva was “under control” after ammunition exploded on board of the vessel late on Wednesday night.

“The fire on the cruiser Moskva is under control. There are no flames visible. Ammunition supplies are no longer exploding,” the ministry said in a statement.

“The cruiser Moskva is still afloat. The main missile armory has not been damaged,” it added.

The ministry had earlier reported that Moskva, Russia’s flagship of the Black Sea fleet, had been seriously damaged as a result of the detonation of ammunition that occurred during a fire.

“The causes of the fire are currently being established,” the ministry said.

However, Ukraine claimed it struck a Russian flagship in the Black Sea and that the ship was starting to sink.

“Neptune missiles guarding the Black Sea caused very serious damage to the Russian ship. Glory to Ukraine!” Odesa governor, Maksym Marchenko, posted on Telegram.

“It has been confirmed that the missile cruiser Moskva today went exactly where it was sent by our border guards on Snake Island!” he added.

Moskva was defied by Ukrainian troops on Snake Island at the start of the war.

Russia’s defense ministry said the ship would be towed back to port. EFE

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