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Mystery as Russia releases ‘new footage’ of Black Sea Fleet admiral Viktor Sokolov to prove he is alive – day after Ukraine claims he was killed in a devastating strike against the Crimean headquarters
Ukraine said yesterday that Admiral Viktor Sokolov was killed in the attack.
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The commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet was reportedly photographed alive today, a day after Ukraine announced he had been killed in a missile strike.
In footage released by the Russian Defense Ministry, Viktor Sokolov appears to be participating in a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu as well as other admirals and army chiefs.
While Sokolov appeared to blink while watching the session remotely, he was not seen speaking and he was seated in a chair that appeared different from that of other naval commanders.
This “appearance” took place after Vladimir Putin’s spokesperson refused to comment on allegations that Sokolov was killed.
Ukraine said Monday that Sokolov was one of 34 officers killed in a devastating missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol.
In a photo released by the Russian Defense Ministry, Viktor Sokolov (circled) appears to be participating in a video conference with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu (main image on video screen) as well as other admirals and chiefs of the army.
Ukraine said on Monday that Sokolov (pictured) was one of 34 officers killed in a devastating missile strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol.
Ukraine also claimed that 105 servicemen were injured in the attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet.
Today’s Russian footage leaves open the possibility that old video of the commander was superimposed on a meeting chaired by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shogun.
There was no immediate comment from Ukraine’s armed forces.
But Ukrainian telegram channel Crimea’s Wind reported the existence of the Russian footage and said it appeared Sokolov had “attended the Defense Ministry board meeting.”
He added: “It’s a shame of course.”
Ukraine also claimed that 105 servicemen were injured in the attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet.
Russian Telegram channels loyal to Putin immediately claimed that Ukraine had been caught lying.
Today’s Russian footage leaves open the possibility that old video of the commander was superimposed on a meeting chaired by Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shogun.
Sevastopol before (top) and after (bottom) a missile attack that hit the headquarters of Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet on Friday, part of a suspected Ukrainian attack deep into Russian-controlled territory.
“We can say that the statement of the enemy (the) Ukrainian special operations forces that the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, died during the destruction of the headquarters building of the fleet in Sevastopol, is not true,” Gray Zone said.
The Military Informant channel said: “The Commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, appeared today at the meeting of the Board of Directors of the Ministry of Defense.
“Earlier, Ukrainian media and intelligence services claimed that Sokolov died as a result of a strike on the fleet headquarters in Sevastopol.
“The fact is that the General Staff has not been present in the headquarters building for a long time, which is also known to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
“No commander… could therefore have died there (nor dozens of officers).”
The announced advance comes as Kiev said senior Russian navy commanders were among dozens of people killed or injured in a missile attack on the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea.