Ukraine Strikes Russian Vessel in Bold Black Sea Raid

The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has announced a successful long-distance operation by its special forces, targeting a Russian multipurpose vessel in the eastern Black Sea. The drone strike, captured on video, focused on the ship’s antennas and electronic systems, significantly impairing its capabilities. This operation marks a notable escalation in Ukraine’s maritime strategy amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Details of the Attack

The vessel, reportedly operating in Novorossiysk Bay, is situated over 400 kilometers (approximately 250 miles) from the front lines of the conflict. If the drone avoided Crimea, it likely traveled more than 600 kilometers (over 370 miles) to reach its target. Built in 2015, the ship was designed for seabed inspections and equipped with advanced diving systems, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs), and side-scan sonar. At the time of the attack, it was reportedly conducting radio surveillance and patrolling the bay.

Ukraine claims that the drone strike successfully destroyed the vessel’s electronic intelligence systems, rendering it inoperable. The estimated value of the ship exceeds $60 million. While the exact identity of the vessel is still under investigation, it is believed to be the Spasatel Demidov, part of a class of ships known for their electronic intelligence capabilities. Reports indicate that multiple vessels of this class are deployed in the region, with four ships in the Project MPSV07 class already commissioned and a sixth currently under construction.

Wider Context of the Conflict

This attack occurs against a backdrop of intensified Russian drone and missile strikes on Ukraine. In response, Ukrainian forces have ramped up their operations in the Black Sea, recently claiming to have damaged two radar stations in Crimea and a harbor tug in Sevastopol. Last month, Ukraine also reported a successful strike on a missile boat in the Sea of Azov, showcasing their growing maritime offensive capabilities.

Since the onset of the conflict, Ukraine has claimed to have either destroyed or disabled approximately one-third of the Russian Black Sea fleet. In response to these losses, Russia has redeployed many of its vessels to the Novorossiysk Bay area, positioning them further from Ukrainian reach. This ongoing maritime confrontation highlights the evolving dynamics of the conflict as both sides adapt their strategies in the face of escalating hostilities.