The first images of the Russian Navy cruiser known as the ‘Moskva’ are emerging, after reports Ukrainian forces had sunk the ship with two Neptune missiles

The Moskva was the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet and many are saying the loss is a huge blow to Russia’s morale.

These images have just begun surfacing on social media and show the once impressive warship with smoke pouring out of it.

Some experts say the damage does not rule out a missile strike and this remains the most likely cause of the destruction.

Russia continues to stand by its claims that the ship was destroyed by a fire.