 Russia loses three large amphibious assault ships in Black Sea, 10 more to go. As Ukrainian forces have destroyed the Novoshirkask Russian landing ship tank in occupied Crimea, the number of such vessels lost by Russia has reached three, with 10 more remaining in the Black Sea. UK Defence Intelligence said this. It is mentioned that Ukraine's strike on the 25th of December utterly destroyed the Ropucha-class Novoshirkask, a landing ship tank of the Russian Navy as it had been docked in the port of Fyodorosia on the southern coast of Russia-occupied Crimea. Open source evidence suggests it is likely the vessel was carrying explosive cargo when it was hit, causing a large secondary explosion. The review stressed. This incident has increased the number of landing ship tanks lost by Russia since the beginning of the large-scale invasion to three. The Saratov sank on the 24th of March 2022 and the Minsk was functionally destroyed in a dry dock on the 13th of September 2023. Two other vessels were likely damaged. UK analysts say Russia likely planned to utilize its landing ship tank force to mount major amphibious operations during the invasion and doubled the number of these ships in the Black Sea as it prepared for war. As the war has dragged on, the ships have been more commonly employed in providing logistical support. This is a significant role because it augments the vital and relatively fragile road and rail connection of the Crimea Bridge, which links Crimea to Russia's UK Defence Intelligence noted.