(Reuters). Russia has confirmed that its Moskva missile cruiser and flagship of the Black Sea Fleet has sunk in a tow-to-port accident. The fire and explosions were caused by ammunition aboard.

Ukraine claims that the fate of Moskva was sealed after a missile strike by its coast forces, which tore open the ship’s Soviet-era wooden hull, sealed the deal. Russia’s defense ministry did not confirm this version. Reuters cannot verify the assertions of either side.

We know what Russia is capable of doing, but what does the sinking mean (or not) to its battle-readiness?

WHAT CAPABILITIES DO THE SINKING DERPRIVE RUSSIA HAS?

Russia is home to powerful air defense systems. However, it has taken Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. The Moskva, which was capable of providing long-range, mobile, air defense protection to all the Black Sea Fleet, was also a floating command-and control centre. The fleet’s ability to defend itself against air attacks is affected by its loss, especially on long-range missions.

WHAT HAPPENED to THE CREW

Russia claimed that the ship’s crew consisted of approximately 500 sailors. They were evacuated to another vessel by Russia before returning to Sevastopol, Crimea. Russia is yet to comment on this matter, although Ukraine suggests that there may have been deaths.

WILL IT CHANGE OR LOSE THE COURSE OF UKRAINE CONFLICT

It is not likely, however the Ministry of Defence of Britain says that Russia’s loss will prompt it to reconsider its Black Sea Naval Command. Officials from the United States spoke on condition of anonymity to say that although the incident would have some symbolic significance and raise concerns about Russia’s long-term navy capabilities, the impact would not have any significant impact on the outcome of the conflict. So far, the Russian navy has not been able to play a significant role.

According to one U.S. official, Russia has only occasionally used its warships for occasional strikes or resupply operations in the south. Russia still holds naval dominance within the immediate area, while the Moskva was well-equipped to destroy enemy vessels at sea. But there is little left of Ukraine’s navy.

WILL RUSSIA’S NAVY BE CHANGED IN THE WAY IT OPERATES AND DOES THAT MATTTER?

Although it may, the change in direction is not considered to be significant. U.S. officials suspect that the Moskva was attacked by Ukraine. Five Russian warships in northern Russia’s Black Sea moved about 80 nautical mile from the coast after the incident. Officials from the United States said that they believe those ships are still capable of striking Ukraine from this distance, and that the Ukrainians would be less likely to target them that far from the coast. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW), a Washington-based think tank, said the Ukrainian military’s ability to hit Russian warships in the Black Sea could force the Russian Navy to deploy additional air defence and other assets for protection.

WAS THE MOSKVA EARMARKED TO ACT IN THE UNFOLDING DISCLICT?

Although it is unclear, analysts suggest that the sinking may have supported a Russian amphibious landing in Odesa port. But this has yet to happen due to resistance by Ukrainian forces. The sinking of the vessel may have been seen by some in Ukraine as helping to lessen such an assault’s chances and allow Ukraine redeploy some forces elsewhere.

CAN RUSSIA EASILY REPLACE MOSKVA’S CAPABILITIES

No. Russia owns two ships of the exact same class: the Marshal Ustinov, and the Varyag. These vessels serve as support for Russia’s Pacific, and Northern Fleets. Turkey is the only country that has access to the Black Sea via Bosphorus. They will not allow them in at war time.

WHAAAAAAAAN CAN THE MOSKVA BE ARMED WITH UNIQUE WAAPONS?

No. The vessel was equipped with anti-ship and surface-to air missiles but not Russia’s most recent generation Kalibr cruise missiles nor hypersonic missiles.

WHAT MODERN SHIP WAS IT?

It is not. It was built in the Cold War 1970s Soviet Union and served in combat for almost four decades. According to Britain’s Ministry of Defence it underwent a major refit and was only able to return to operational status in 2021. Some of the hardware was still in use despite that refit.

HOW BIG A BLOW TO RUSSIAN MILITARY PRIDE IS THE SINKING?

The Russian military is grieving as this ship was an emblem of their Crimea-based Black Sea Fleet, and Russian military pride. The Russian anti-ship missiles could have made it the most significant Russian warship ever to lose an action. This would make it the worst Russian warship loss since the 1941 attack on the Soviet battleship Marat at Kronshtadt harbor by German dive bombers. The sinking, whether by Ukrainian missile strikes or through a mishap, “is a major propaganda victory for Ukraine,” said an assessment by the ISW. Experts and diplomats from the West expect the Black Sea Fleet’s top officers to be fired due to the sinking.