The Russian army’s TV channel hailed the arrival of the Orsk in Berdyansk last week as an “epic event” as it was the first Russian warship to dock there.

Video posted by the Ukranian navy and on social media showed explosions and a big ship on fire at the port at 07:00 (05:00GMT) on Thursday.

While the Orsk was said to have been destroyed, fire reportedly spread to other vessels as well as an ammunition depot and a fuel terminal in the port. Footage from the scene appeared to show two ships sailing at speed from the port.

Deputy Defence Minister Hanna Malyar told Ukrainian TV that the military had hit a “huge target”, capable of carrying 20 tanks, 45 armoured vehicles and 400 troops.

Ukrainian officials said the attack on the Orsk had further symbolic value, suggesting that it may have taken part in Russia’s original capture of Crimea in 2014, pointing to medals apparently awarded to the ship’s commander and a crewman.

Ukraine destroys Russian landing ship after state media revealed its location with propaganda footage https://t.co/sOKpX5S2KN pic.twitter.com/PyA2DGyged

— Daily Mail Online (@MailOnline) March 24, 2022