April 19, 2022

Less than Ship Shape


Less than Ship Shape
The cruiser Moskva in happier times. Wikimedia Commons, George Chernilevsky.

Last week, Russia lost a massive asset in its fight against Ukraine: the cruiser Moskva (Moscow).

Reports surfaced on April 14 that two native-produced Ukrainian anti-ship missiles had hit the Moskva, causing an extensive fire and endangering the lives of nearly 700 on board. Russian forces attempted to tow the ship to safety, but it soon sank due to the damage.

Russian forces, on the other hand, have claimed that footage portrays instead an accidental munitions fire. They admit that the ship sunk, but deny that there were any casualties.

If the Ukrainian story is correct, the Moskva is the world's largest warship to sink since 1982, when a British craft was lost in the Falklands War. It was the largest and strongest craft in the region, and was the flagship of the Black Sea fleet.

Once a symbol of Russian naval power, Moskva has now become a symbol of competing information narratives, as the stories of its sinking continue to conflict.

You Might Also Like

Is This the Plan?
  • April 07, 2022

Is This the Plan?

Putin says things are going according to plan in Ukraine. What if he's right?
Like this post? Get a weekly email digest + member-only deals

Some of our Books

Fearful Majesty
July 01, 2014

Fearful Majesty

This acclaimed biography of one of Russia’s most important and tyrannical rulers is not only a rich, readable biography, it is also surprisingly timely, revealing how many of the issues Russia faces today have their roots in Ivan’s reign.

Fish
February 01, 2010

Fish

This mesmerizing novel from one of Russia’s most important modern authors traces the life journey of a selfless Russian everywoman. In the wake of the Soviet breakup, inexorable forces drag Vera across the breadth of the Russian empire. Facing a relentless onslaught of human and social trials, she swims against the current of life, countering adversity and pain with compassion and hope, in many ways personifying Mother Russia’s torment and resilience amid the Soviet disintegration.

The Latchkey Murders
July 01, 2015

The Latchkey Murders

Senior Lieutenant Pavel Matyushkin is back on the case in this prequel to the popular mystery Murder at the Dacha, in which a serial killer is on the loose in Khrushchev’s Moscow...

Survival Russian
February 01, 2009

Survival Russian

Survival Russian is an intensely practical guide to conversational, colloquial and culture-rich Russian. It uses humor, current events and thematically-driven essays to deepen readers’ understanding of Russian language and culture. This enlarged Second Edition of Survival Russian includes over 90 essays and illuminates over 2000 invaluable Russian phrases and words.

Woe From Wit (bilingual)
June 20, 2017

Woe From Wit (bilingual)

One of the most famous works of Russian literature, the four-act comedy in verse Woe from Wit skewers staid, nineteenth century Russian society, and it positively teems with “winged phrases” that are essential colloquialisms for students of Russian and Russian culture.

About Us

Russian Life is a publication of a 30-year-young, award-winning publishing house that creates a bimonthly magazine, books, maps, and other products for Russophiles the world over.

Latest Posts

Our Contacts

Russian Life
73 Main Street, Suite 402
Montpelier VT 05602

802-223-4955