Ukraine’s First Warship Escapes Crimea: The Daring Breakout of SKR-112 to Odesa.

SKR-112’s Departure from Donuzlav

According to Espreso.tv: On July 21, 1992, a pivotal moment in the history of the Ukrainian Navy unfolded as the SKR-112—the very first combat vessel of Ukraine’s fleet—departed from Donuzlav in Crimea. This event marked the dawn of a new chapter in Ukrainian military shipbuilding. The ship’s crew numbered 80 personnel, and following official clearance, it set out for training exercises at 8:15 AM. Just 41 minutes later, at 8:56 AM, the blue-and-yellow flag was raised aboard the ship, a deeply symbolic act for the Ukrainian people.

A Tense Voyage to Odesa

After leaving Donuzlav, the SKR-112 made its way to the Ukrainian port of Odesa, docking there at 6:50 PM the same day. This maiden journey was fraught with tension, as Russian military forces attempted to obstruct its departure. The ship’s commander, Mykola Zhibarev, declared:

“I am sailing under the State Flag of Ukraine in its territorial waters and heading to the Ukrainian port of Odesa. I will not respond to provocations, but I am ready to defend myself.”

In August 1992, the Yalta Agreement on the principles of fleet division was signed, which further shaped the fate of the SKR-112. A year later, in 1993, the vessel was decommissioned from the fleet. In the summer of 1996, the SKR-112 was cut up for scrap metal in Sevastopol, ending its brief but significant chapter in Ukraine’s naval history.

The breakout of the SKR-112 from Donuzlav symbolized the early formation of an independent Ukrainian fleet following the collapse of the Soviet Union. This event underscored the critical role of naval forces in national security and marked an important step in reclaiming national identity. Though the SKR-112 served only a short time, its story remains etched in the memory of Ukrainians, forming part of the broader narrative of building Ukraine’s naval strength.

Today, amid modern challenges, this event serves as a reminder of the enduring need to bolster the country’s defense capabilities and national security.