The Ukrainian Navy reported that the Saratov, a Russian warship, was sunk in the Russian-controlled port of Berdyansk in southern Ukraine on March 24th. Until last week, the Russian navy hadn't lost a warship in an attack since World War II. 

Video from a large number of sources confirms the attack on the port of Berdyansk. The Ukrainian navy reports that the Saratov, a Russian tank-landing ship, was destroyed. And two other ships received damage.  A warehouse at the port which housed Russian ammunition and fuel were also destroyed.

Russia is losing an increasing number of high-ranking officers. And the Navy is no exception. Russian Naval officer Captain First Rank Andrei Nikolayevich (ranks between a captain and rear admiral in the U.S. Navy) was killed leading marine troops in the siege of the port city, Mariupol.

Video of ship attack

Russian navy closes international trade in Ukraine

First, the Russian navy established a "distant blockade" of Ukraine's Black Sea coast. They launched missile attacks from Russian warships in the sea.

The blockade effectively isolated Ukraine from international maritime trade.

The Berdyansk port was seized in order to move Russian equipment and tanks into Ukraine, more quickly. And has served as a staging area for the army supplies.

When the port was captured, it was called a "milestone event" by President Vladimir Putin's military spokesman. The Russian navy took control of the Sea of Azov and effectively closed down ports at the start of the invasion. 

The Russian navy blocked shipping in-and-out of Ukraine.  And that left hundreds of merchant ships stranded in the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov for a while.

Ukraine is home to 15 major seaports on the coastlines of the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea. And it is a hub to global trade in both Europe and the US. The port of Berdyansk is strategically located.

Disruption to trade through Ukraine has caused shortages in Europe. Commodity prices were at near record highs at the start of the war.  And since the invasion inflation has rippled across the global economy.

On March 26th, 70 missiles were launched into Ukraine. Fifty-two were fired from the Black Sea by the Russian Navy. And 18 were fired from Belarus. This is the most missiles sent against Ukraine in one day. It has been reported that most of the missiles missed their targets.