Ukraine Claims Successful Attack on Russian Warship, Sinking it in the Black Sea
In a stunning turn of events, Ukraine’s military has announced yet another successful attack on a Russian warship, further weakening Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet. This recent strike, carried out by Ukraine’s Group 13 special unit using maritime drones, resulted in the sinking of the 1,300-ton Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov. The incident took place in the Black Sea, near the Kerch Strait that separates occupied Crimea from the coast of southwest Russia.
According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the Magura V5 maritime drones inflicted severe damage to the Sergei Kotov, causing a fire aboard the vessel. The ship eventually sank, marking a significant victory for Ukraine. The mission was executed in collaboration with the Ukrainian Navy and with the support of Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation.
Andriy Yusov, a representative of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, confirmed that the Sergei Kotov had been targeted and hit before but emphasized that this time it had been completely destroyed. This successful strike adds to Ukraine’s growing list of victories against Russian naval forces.
Tragically, seven Russian crew members lost their lives in the attack, while six others sustained injuries. The Defense Intelligence of Ukraine shared this information on Telegram but did not disclose how they obtained it. The toll on Russian naval ships caused by Ukraine’s maritime drones has been significant, particularly in recent months. This campaign in the Black Sea has proven to be a rare strategic success for Kyiv amidst setbacks on the battlefield.
This is not the first time Ukraine has employed maritime drones against Russian vessels. In mid-February, the Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov fell victim to the same drones used in the attack on the Sergei Kotov. The drones managed to puncture critical holes in the ship’s left side, leading to its sinking. Ukrainian military intelligence agency shared these details on Telegram.
Earlier in February, Ukraine claimed that it had disabled approximately 33% of Russia’s warships, amounting to 24 disabled ships and one submarine. The sinking of the guided-missile cruiser Moskva in April 2022 stands as Russia’s worst naval loss during the conflict. The Sergei Kotov, one of Russia’s newest ships in the Black Sea Fleet, was floated on January 21, 2021, according to a report from Russian state-run news agency TASS. The ship boasted impressive features, including a range of 6,000 nautical miles, a crew capacity of 80, and advanced weaponry such as a helicopter, a 57mm gun, and a modern air defense system. Its estimated value was $65 million.
Ukraine’s successful attack on the Russian warship Sergei Kotov serves as a testament to the country’s growing military capabilities and determination to defend its sovereignty. As the conflict in the region continues, it remains uncertain how these naval defeats will impact the overall dynamics between Ukraine and Russia. However, one thing is clear: Ukraine’s maritime drones have proven to be a formidable force, inflicting significant damage on Russian naval assets and bolstering Ukraine’s position in the ongoing conflict.