, appeared in a video conference despite being 'killed' by Ukraine the day before (Picture: Russia MOD) The commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet seemed to appear in a meeting of Moscow's top brass today- despite Ukraine's special forces claiming to have killed him the day before. In video and photographs released by the Russian defence ministry, Admiral Viktor Sokolov was shown apparently taking part in a video conference with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and other top admirals and army chiefs. The Admiral appeared to blink during the meeting but he was not seen speaking, and sat in a chair that looked different to other naval commanders. The 'appearance' came after Vladimir Putin's spokesman declined to comment on claims that Sokolov had been killed. The meeting was broadcast on Russian state TV (Picture: Russia MOD) Ukraine claimed on Monday that Sokolov was one of 34 officers killed in a devastating missile strike on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol. The Russian footage today left open the possibility that old video of the commander had been superimposed on a meeting chaired by Russian defence minister Sergei Shoigu. There was no immediate comment from the Ukrainian armed forces. But Ukrainian telegram channel Crimea's Wind reported the existence of the Russian footage and said it seemed Sokolov had 'attended the board of the Ministry of Defence'. It added: 'It's a pity of course.' Ukraine also claimed that 105 military personnel had been wounded in the strike on the Black Sea Fleet headquarters. Putin-loyal Russian Telegram channels immediately claimed Ukraine had been caught lying. Admiral Viktor Sokolov was the commander of Russia's Black Sea Fleet (Picture: Russia MOD) 'We can say that the enemy's statement [from] the Ukrainian Special Operations Forces that the commander of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov, died during the destruction of the Fle){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
The commander of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet seemed to appear in a meeting of Moscow’s top brass today- despite Ukraine’s special forces claiming to have killed him the day before.
In video and photographs released by the Russian defence ministry, Admiral Viktor Sokolov was shown apparently taking part in a video conference with Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu and other top admirals and army chiefs.
The Admiral appeared to blink during the meeting but he was not seen speaking, and sat in a chair that looked different to other naval commanders.
The ‘appearance’ came after Vladimir Putin’s spokesman declined to comment on claims that Sokolov had been killed.