It appeared that Vladimir Solovyov was articulating the Kremlin leader’s own anger when he launched a full-frontal attack on the Navy in a nationwide broadcast.

‘I am furious about what happened to the Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, Moskva,’ said the state TV anchor, sanctioned for his links to Putin.

‘I am simply furious.’

‘And yes, we say it was quite old, and went through repairs and, yes, this series of ships has vulnerabilities.

‘I get it.

‘But tell me this: how did you manage to lose it Explain me, why the hell you were in that particular area of the Black Sea, at that time?’