On Tuesday, Viktor Sokolov appeared in a video conference, adding to the confusion regarding his reported death. In the video conference, Sokolov was seen participating in discussions and addressing various matters, seemingly contradicting the earlier reports of his demise.
The Russian Defence Ministry has not provided an immediate response to inquiries from Reuters to confirm or deny whether Admiral Viktor Sokolov is indeed alive. This lack of clarity has fueled further speculation about the situation.
Moscow-installed authorities in Sevastopol have taken additional measures to address the increased attacks by Ukraine on Crimea, a region critical to Russia’s military operations in its ongoing war with Ukraine. If confirmed, Sokolov’s reported killing would represent one of Ukraine’s most significant strikes on Crimea, which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014.
Ukraine’s special forces had claimed responsibility for the missile attack on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, reporting that 34 officers, including Sokolov, had lost their lives, while another 105 were wounded. The attack had caused significant damage to the headquarters building, rendering it unrecoverable.
The conflicting reports about Viktor Sokolov’s status raise questions about the accuracy of information in the midst of the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Each side has at times exaggerated enemy losses while providing limited information about its own.
Ukraine has escalated its attacks on the Black Sea and the Crimean Peninsula, incorporating the use of missiles and assault drones. Kyiv has expressed its intent to target the Russian Black Sea fleet, viewing its destruction as a means to expedite the end of the ongoing war.
These recent events indicate a shift in the dynamics of the conflict in Crimea and the Black Sea region, warranting close attention and further investigation to establish the facts surrounding Admiral Sokolov’s status.