In the morning of September 22, powerful explosions rocked the occupied city of Sevastopol. A targeted missile strike hit the building of the Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) during a high-level meeting of the Russian naval leadership. Reports indicate dozens of casualties among the occupiers, including senior officers of the Black Sea Fleet. Preliminary information suggests that the strikes on the Russian naval headquarters were carried out with Storm Shadow missiles or their French analog, Scalp.

During a broadcast on the FREEДОМ  channel, military maritime expert and Defense Express commentator, Volodymyr Zablotsky, explained, "The strike on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol had a significant impact on the military capabilities of the occupying forces. This strike, in particular, caused communication problems between the occupiers and Moscow leadership."

Zablotsky emphasised that the Russian side is currently actively discussing the shortage of air defence systems in occupied Sevastopol. He noted, "It is important to mention that Russian air defence systems failed to intercept the missiles, creating a psychological sense of insecurity among the Russians in Crimea."

The expert underscored that the strike was precise, timed, and executed at the right moment and in the right place. Besides the military aspect, this strike holds considerable morale and psychological significance, effectively influencing the situation.

Zablotsky pointed out that Russians have started discussing the issue of air defence system shortages in Sevastopol on social media, which was previously considered one of the most heavily fortified locations. He recalled that certain air defence assets had been relocated from Moscow to this city.

It is noted that as a result of the attack, the occupiers lost some high-ranking officers, including the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Viktor Sokolov, for the first time since 1904.