In a bold move off the coast of occupied Crimea, Ukraine successfully neutralized a Russian landing warship using naval drones, causing it to sink. Kyiv’s military spy agency and armed forces orchestrated the operation, which resulted in a crucial breach on the ship’s port side, which caused its demise.
Despite Ukraine’s significant blow, Russia has not commented on the incident. Earlier reports from Russia had claimed the destruction of six drones in the Black Sea, but the Kremlin declined to comment on this latest development.
According to the Ukrainian military, the targeted warship, identified as the Tsezar Kunikov large landing ship, was within Ukraine’s territorial waters near Alupka at the time of the attack. Alupka, situated close to Yalta on the southern edge of Crimea, has held strategic significance since Russia annexed the region in 2014.
The GUR military intelligence agency of Ukraine released a video showing the events leading up to the strike, which showed naval drones approaching the vessel at night and ending in a powerful explosion. Reuters confirmed the footage’s authenticity, identifying the ship as the Tsezar Kunikov based on distinctive features.
The destruction of the Tsezar Kunikov marks a significant blow to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. The warship, part of Russia’s Project 775, boasted a crew of 87 and had been involved in various conflicts, including those in Georgia, Syria, and Ukraine.
This successful operation underscores Ukraine’s strategic utilization of uncrewed navy drones armed with explosives to challenge Russian dominance in the Black Sea. With its naval capabilities severely depleted, Ukraine has resorted to innovative tactics to safeguard its interests and counter Russian aggression.
Notably, Ukraine deliberately scuttled its flagship at the onset of the Russian invasion to prevent it from falling into enemy hands. Without large naval vessels, the country has relied on advancements in naval drone technology to level the playing field against Russia’s formidable fleet.
Despite facing overwhelming odds, Ukrainian forces remain determined, claiming to have already destroyed a significant portion of the Russian Black Sea Fleet. With ongoing hostilities persisting, Ukraine continues to employ strategic strikes, such as last month’s successful targeting of another Russian landing warship in Crimea.
This latest development underscores the evolving dynamics in the region and highlights Ukraine’s resilience in the face of adversity. As the conflict unfolds, the strategic use of technology and innovative tactics will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the outcome.
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