WAR IN UKRAINE: Ukrainian Navy’s New Submarine-Busting Warship Launches From Turkey

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These images show the Ukrainian Navy’s new submarine-busting warship that has been launched in Turkey.

The footage shows the launch of the vessel, which can be seen adorned with both Ukrainian and Turkish flags, during a ceremony on Sunday. Under the watchful eye of the First Lady of Ukraine, Olena Zelenska, the corvette can be seen sliding down the ramps into the water at the shipyard in Turkey.

The corvette, called the “Hetman Ivan Mazepa” after a famous Ukrainian Cossack leader, was launched from the military shipyard of the Istanbul Shipyard Naval enterprise, in Istanbul, Turkey, on Sunday, 2nd October.

Picture shows a corvette warship at the military shipyard of the Istanbul Shipyard Naval enterprise, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. First Ukrainian anti-submarine corvette of the Ada type, named after the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, was launched in Turkey for the Ukrainian Navy. (@olenazelenska.official/Newsflash)

The launch was overseen by Olena Zelenska, who said in a statement on Sunday: “The Turkish word ‘bayraktar’ (‘flag bearer’) – the name of the drone – has become a symbol of true protection and victories in Ukraine during the months of full-scale aggression. But soon, in addition to byraktars, we will have new common names.

“Today, Turkey had the honour of launching a corvette that will serve Ukraine and at the same time have a Turkish heart. The Ada-type anti-submarine corvette ‘Hetman Ivan Mazepa’ (this name was chosen for it by the President of Ukraine back in 2021, when construction began), will be the first ship of this class for the Ukrainian Navy.

“In such cases, vessels are treated like people – with respect and instruction. So, the corvette “Hetman Ivan Mazepa”, I wish you to carry the Ukrainian flag with honour.

Olena Zelenska, the First Lady of Ukraine (middle), poses with Ukrainian mariners near corvette warship at the military shipyard of the Istanbul Shipyard Naval enterprise, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. First Ukrainian anti-submarine corvette of the Ada type, named after the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, was launched in Turkey for the Ukrainian Navy. (@olenazelenska.official/Newsflash)

“Fair winds, calm seas and only victories! Always remember your Turkish homeland and bring glory to Ukraine!”

Russia invaded Ukraine on 24th February in what the Kremlin is still calling a “special military operation”. Today marks the 223rd day of the war.

The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that between 24th February and 4th October, Russia had lost about 60,800 personnel, 2,424 tanks, 5,018 armoured combat vehicles, 1,407 artillery units, 340 multiple launch rocket systems, 177 air defence systems, 266 warplanes, 228 helicopters, 1,028 drones, 246 cruise missiles, 15 warships, 3,823 motor vehicles and fuel tankers, and 131 units of special equipment.

Russia has claimed that its casualties have been much lower but provides infrequent updates on its latest figures.

Picture shows a corvette warship at the military shipyard of the Istanbul Shipyard Naval enterprise, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. First Ukrainian anti-submarine corvette of the Ada type, named after the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, was launched in Turkey for the Ukrainian Navy. (@olenazelenska.official/Newsflash)

Ukrainian forces have reportedly broken through Russian defences in southern Ukraine and advanced dozens of kilometres into the Kherson region.

The Russian military has acknowledged the Ukrainian advance, stating that Ukraine’s “superior tank units” had “penetrated the depths of our defence” around some villages in the region.

This means that Russia no longer has full control of any of the four Ukrainian provinces it is attempting to annex.

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has said that his country’s troops have “fully cleared” Russian forces from Lyman in eastern Ukraine, reportedly punching through Russia’s frontline and advancing rapidly along the Dnieper River.

Commander of the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Vice Admiral Oleksii Neizhpapa poses at the military shipyard of the Istanbul Shipyard Naval enterprise, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. First Ukrainian anti-submarine corvette of the Ada type, named after the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, was launched in Turkey for the Ukrainian Navy. (@olenazelenska.official/Newsflash)

The chief spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Defence, Igor Konashenkov, said that Russian troops have now occupied a so-called “pre-prepared defensive line”, as Ukraine’s southern counteroffensive quickly gains momentum.

American billionaire Elon Musk has triggered an online row on Twitter with President Zelensky after launching a poll asking his 107.7 million followers for their opinions on how to end Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Musk suggested in his tweet that there should be elections supervised by the United Nations in the four occupied regions that the Kremlin is attempting to annex.

Ukrainian mariners pose near corvette warship at the military shipyard of the Istanbul Shipyard Naval enterprise, in Istanbul, Turkey, Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022. First Ukrainian anti-submarine corvette of the Ada type, named after the Hetman Ivan Mazepa, was launched in Turkey for the Ukrainian Navy. (@olenazelenska.official/Newsflash)

The move by the tech entrepreneur prompted swift condemnation from numerous parties, with President Zelensky offering his own poll: “Which Elon Musk do you like more?” He offered two possible choices: “one who supports Ukraine” and “one who supports Russia”.

Ukraine’s outgoing ambassador to Germany, Andrij Melnyk, did not mince his words, telling Musk in no uncertain terms that he could “f*** off”, an invitation which he described as a “very diplomatic reply”.

Russia has reportedly put former state TV journalist Marina Ovsyannikova, who made international headlines when she interrupted a news broadcast to protest against the Ukraine war, on a wanted list after she apparently escaped house arrest.

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