Russia stripping captured Ukrainian ship for parts, partisan group reports

The partisan movement Atesh reported that Russia is using the captured Ukrainian landing ship Kostyantyn Olshansky as a “donor” to support its fleet.

“During reconnaissance of the Southern Bay in occupied Sevastopol, Atesh agents spotted the Kostyantyn Olshanskyi along with supply vessels from the 205th unit of the Material and Technical Support Center of the Russian Black Sea Fleet,” the group stated. “According to our sources, the captured Ukrainian ship is regularly stripped for parts to keep similar Russian vessels operational.”

Atesh noted that this reflects the deteriorating condition of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

“Sanctions, Ukrainian strikes, and broken supply chains have left the Russians unable to properly repair or replace their ships. Turning decommissioned vessels into parts warehouses has become a necessity — and Olshanskyi is just one example,” the group emphasized.

Russia captured the Kostyantyn Olshanskyi in 2014. In March 2023, Ukrainian forces struck the ship, disabling it. Since then, the occupiers have been unable to return it to combat use.

Atesh also reported spotting the floating workshop PM-138 and the hospital ship Yenisey — both part of the Russian auxiliary fleet — in the bay. These vessels are now under surveillance and could become targets in upcoming strikes.

• On March 24, 2024, the ukrainian Defense Forces attacked the landing ship Kostyantyn Olshanskyi with a Neptune missile. The ship was seized by Russian troops from Ukraine during the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Ukrainian forces also struck the Russian reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs.