A Russian cargo ship suspects a major act of sabotage as “three explosions” sank its cargo vessel Ursa Major while passing through the Mediterranean.

Despite Ukraine not claiming responsibility for the attack, a Kyiv war source told Russian president Vladimir Putin to expect more of the same.

The blasts hit the 466ft ship, sinking just hours after while passing the Strait of Gibraltar and was in between Spain and Algeria.

The mega hit took place on 23 December, with the owner of the ship, Oboronlogistics, saying a “pre-planned terrorist attack was committed against the vessel”. This comes after reports of one engine room explosion, yet the Russian company said: “There were three consecutive explosions on the starboard side in the area of the stern.”

“The vessel developed a 25-degree list – a clear sign water had begun to flood the ship’s compartments,” they added.

Russia is now conducting a criminal investigation into the attack. Ursa Major had passed through the English Channel with plans to head to Vladivostok in the Pacific.

However, there are suspicions that it was going to stop at Tartus in Syria to take on board military cargo amid plans to relocate its armed forces after the fall of the Assad regime.

The vessel carried two 686 tonne gantry cranes, two 27 tonne crane buckers, two 91 tonne bilge covers and one 20-ft container with spare parts.

The sinking of the ship comes at a great loss to Putin due to the sheer amount of heavy-duty equipment it held. A Ukrainian war correspondent Andriy Tsaplienko has warned of other Russian vessels now being under threat.

He reported on his channel: “The Russian bulk carrier Ursa Major was likely damaged by three explosions,

“If this is true, and there was sabotage on board the ship, then the Russian economy could soon suffer a strategic blow due to the fact that its ‘shadow fleet’ suspends its activities.

“The ship sinking off Spain was involved in the ‘Syrian Express’, a weapons supply system for the Assad regime in Syria.

“If Russian ships continue to transport weapons, oil, and grain stolen from Ukraine, then who knows, similar sabotage on other ships in neutral waters is not out of the question.

“If Russia suddenly wants to ensure their safety, it will return them to Russian ports for inspection.

“In both cases, the ships will stop bringing Russia crazy money, so the Kremlin will not spend it on terror against Ukrainians.”