Ukrainian Sea Drone Attack Damages Russian Warship in Black Sea

In an audacious and unprecedented attack that occurred hundreds of miles away from Ukrainian-controlled territory, Ukrainian sea drones targeted a significant naval base in Russia. The attack resulted in a Russian warship listing in the Black Sea.

The damaged vessel, an amphibious Russian landing ship, was seen listing heavily in the water, as it was towed near the base at Novorossiysk, Russia's largest port. The vessel, identified as the Olenogorsky Gornyak, is reported to have sustained serious damage, rendering it unable to fulfill its duties.

A Ukrainian source claimed the sea drone, armed with nearly 1,000 pounds of TNT, struck the ship, which had about 100 Russian servicemen on board. Footage shows an unmanned sea drone closing in on a ship that corresponds to the one later seen listing in Novorossiysk.

This daring assault is the latest testament to Kyiv's determined effort to advance long-range unmanned attack vehicles for both sea and air operations. The drone responsible for the hit on the ship would have had to travel several hundred miles to reach the port, suggesting a significant leap in Kyiv's technological capabilities.

Novorossiysk, which is Russia's largest port in terms of cargo handled, and is a base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet, is a vital node of Russia's export infrastructure, dealing with oil, gas, and agricultural exports. It is home to the Olenengorsky Gornyak, one of the three Ropucha-class ships that entered the Black Sea just before the Russian invasion in February 2022.

Despite Russian reports of intercepting two Ukrainian sea drones and claims of normalcy in the port, the damaged ship serves as a stark reminder of the growing threat of these fast and relatively stealthy weapons, particularly those with large combat payloads.

Ukrainian presidential advisor Mykhailo Podolyak lauded the attack, emphasizing how drones are reshaping the maritime domain and undermining the value of the Russian fleet.

As tensions continue to escalate in the Black Sea, Ukraine's evolving sea drone program has proven increasingly effective in attacking and monitoring Russia's fleet in the Black Sea and the occupied Crimean peninsula. Defense sources revealed to CNN that sea drones have been involved in several significant operations, including a successful attack on the Kerch Strait Bridge, a critical supply line for Russian forces.

In response to this rising threat, Ukraine has intensified its strikes on Russian territory, promising to return the war to Russia's territory, its symbolic centers, and military bases. This latest attack on the Russian warship underscores Ukraine's technological advancements and determination in the ongoing conflict.