Ukraine: Military intelligence of Ukraine has reported that Ukrainian naval drones have sunk a Russian warship off inhabited Crimea. They stated that it’s the latest in an incredible win over the once-feared Black Sea fleet.
Recent reports stated that a country without a navy managed to defeat a supposedly powerful Russian fleet. This achievement is not only significant in military terms, but it also provides a much-needed psychological boost to Ukraine. Morale in Kyiv has been low due to the lack of international support, and this victory has come at a critical time.
As per Ukraine’s claims, a special operations team sank the Sergei Kotov patrol ship close to the Kerch Strait operating high-tech sea drones loaded with explosives.
According to Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the Russian ship named Project 22160 Sergey Kotov was hit by a strike from Magura V5 maritime drones, which forced damage to the stern, starboard, and port sides. The agency also estimated the ship’s value at approximately $65 million (£51.2 million).
About the attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, Andriy Yermak stated that, “The Russian Black Sea Fleet is a symbol of occupation. It cannot be in the Ukrainian Crimea.”
The Ukrainian defence ministry recently released a video claiming to show the moment when their ship was hit by drones. The attack reportedly occurred at the port of Feodosia, located on the Crimean peninsula which was annexed by Russia in 2014.
Ambrey, a private security firm, reported that they had seen footage captured by a crew member on a merchant ship. The video shows Sergey Kotov firing at drones. The ship, which allegedly can carry cruise missiles and house around 60 crew members, was hit at least twice. The second strike resulted in a large explosion.
The Ukrainian military reported the sinking of a Russian landing warship near Crimea last month. They used naval drones in the operation, which breached the vessel’s port side.