Just in: Invasion: Russia warship sinks by explosion

A Russian warship that was damaged by an explosion Wednesday has sunk.

Russia’s defence ministry confirmed that Moskva, the flagship of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, was being towed to port when “stormy seas” caused it to sink.

The 510-crew missile cruiser was a symbol of Russia’s military power, leading its naval assault on Ukraine.

However, authority in Kyiv had countered, claiming its missiles hit the warship, still, Moscow has not reported any attack, but maintained that the vessel sank after a fire.

The blaze Russia said caused the explosion of the warship’s ammunition, adding that the entire crew was later evacuated to nearby Russian vessels in the Black Sea.

After saying initially the warship was afloat, late Thursday the Russian defence ministry announced that the Moskva had been lost.

The 12,490-tonne vessel is the biggest Russian warship to be sunk in action since World War Two.

“While being towed… towards the destined port, the vessel lost its balance due to damage sustained in the hull as fire broke out after ammunition exploded.

“Given the choppy seas, the vessel sank,” the Russian defence Ministry said.