Amid renewed international interest in the events of the early stages of the Russia–Ukraine war, Ukraine’s Navy has addressed reports that the U.S. was “angry” or “surprised” by the sinking of Russia’s flagship cruiser, the Moskva, in April 2022.
Ukraine Denies Claims of U.S. “Anger” Over Moskva Sinking
Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk addressed the rumors during a recent television appearance. He stated that he “cannot confirm this information in any way,” referring to reports that there was frustration or panic within the Biden administration following the destruction of the Moskva.
“The situation was quite dynamic and depended on many vectors, many decisions — both on land and at sea,” Pletenchuk explained.
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The Sinking of the Moskva: A Turning Point in the War
On April 14, 2022, Ukraine struck the Moskva, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship, with two R-360 Neptune anti-ship missiles. The $750 million missile cruiser was destroyed, resulting in the death or injury of many of the roughly 500 crew members — though the exact number remains unknown due to Russian attempts to suppress information.
The Moskva had been providing air defense for Russian naval forces and played a central role in Moscow’s assault on Ukraine’s southern coastline, including the infamous battle for Snake Island.
Moskva: A Symbol of Russian Naval Power
The Moskva was not just any warship — it was Russia’s most powerful naval vessel in the region, and its loss marked the first time since the Russo-Japanese War (1904–1905) that a Russian flagship had been sunk in combat.
The psychological and symbolic blow to Russia was enormous, especially considering the ship’s prior order to Ukrainian defenders on Snake Island to surrender — to which they famously replied:
“Russian warship, go f*ck yourself.”
The phrase has since been immortalized in Ukrainian culture, including commemorative postage stamps and national symbols of resistance.
U.S. Reaction: Shocked but Cautious
According to a New York Times report, the U.S. was unaware of Ukraine’s specific attack plans and was surprised that Kyiv possessed such capable anti-ship weaponry. American and Ukrainian naval officers were reportedly on an intelligence call when the ship was spotted on radar. Upon hearing the confirmation of the strike, the Ukrainians simply said:
“Oh my God. Thanks a lot. Bye.”
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Sources suggest the Biden administration was concerned about Ukraine striking a “potent symbol of Russian power”, fearing it might escalate tensions and draw Washington deeper into the war.
Despite these concerns, the U.S. continued to support Ukraine militarily, balancing between arming Kyiv and avoiding a direct confrontation with Moscow.
Conclusion: A Defining Moment in Ukraine’s Naval Warfare
The sinking of the Moskva cruiser was a defining moment in Ukraine’s resistance — a historic naval victory that not only weakened Russia’s Black Sea fleet, but also boosted Ukrainian morale and signaled a new level of strategic capability.
While Ukraine remains silent on the extent of U.S. involvement or response, one thing is clear: the Moskva’s destruction was a bold statement — and one that reshaped the course of the war.
