The head of Ukraine's Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, told Voice of America that at least nine people were killed and 16 wounded in Ukraine's attack on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol on 22 September.
"Among the wounded is the group's commander, Colonel General (Alexander) Romanchuk, who is in a very serious condition. Chief of Staff Lieutenant General (Oleh) Tsekov is unconscious. The number of injured ordinary soldiers who are not staff members is still being established. These are soldiers on duty, security guards, and so on - they are not included in the list I have given you," Budanov said.
It is noted that Oleksandr Romanchuk, the commander of the group of Russian forces in the Zaporizhzhya direction, was promoted to the rank of colonel general in 2023. Lieutenant General Oleh Tsekov is the commander of the 200th MLRSBG of the Coastal Forces of the Northern Fleet of the Russian Navy.
At the same time, Budanov did not confirm reports of the alleged death of Admiral Viktor Sokolov, the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The DIU has no information on his condition.
When asked what role guerrillas and local residents played in planning the strike, Budanov said that intelligence collects data from all sources.
"It's clear that intelligence sources are among the main ones," he added.
At the same time, the DIU chief would not answer whether Western-made missiles were used in the attack on the Russian Black Sea Fleet headquarters.
"Here I have to refrain from answering, I think you should understand me," he said.
On the afternoon of 22 September, the Black Sea Fleet headquarters in Sevastopol was hit by a missile attack. The city raised the alarm. Attacks on enemy targets in Crimea have been going on for three days in a row.
On 21 September, the SBU, together with the Navy, attacked the Saki airfield, which the enemy used for military purposes, with drones and missiles. There was damage to equipment.
On 20 September, the defenders attacked the command post of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. Missiles were also used for the attack.