Ukraine Releases Dramatic Footage of Trap Set for Russian Warship in Crimea
In a daring and dramatic operation near annexed Crimea, Ukraine’s forces have set a trap for a Russian warship, as revealed in recently released video footage. The nighttime footage, published by Ukraine’s Defense Ministry, shows the moment when six sea drones attacked the Russian missile-armed corvette Ivanovets in the harbor of Lake Donuzlav. The attack was carried out by soldiers of Ukraine’s Group 13 special forces.
The two-minute-long footage, taken from different locations, suggests that multiple MAGURA drones were used in the attack. Lieutenant General Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency, confirmed that the vessel was struck by six MAGURA V5 sea drones, which ultimately sent it to the bottom of the Black Sea. The Ukrainian-developed MAGURA V5 drone is known for its versatility and ability to perform various tasks such as surveillance, reconnaissance, patrolling, search and rescue, mine countermeasures, maritime security, and combat missions.
While the authenticity of the video and Ukraine’s claims have not been independently verified, it is clear that Ukraine is actively targeting the Black Sea Fleet in an effort to reverse Russian President Vladimir Putin’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. The region serves as Russia’s central logistics hub for its forces in southern Ukraine.
According to reports from Russian security forces, the Ivanovets was caught in a trap near the village of Okunevka, just 9 kilometers from the entrance to Lake Donuzlav. Yuri Butusov, editor-in-chief of Ukrainian news outlet censor.Net, outlined Kyiv’s strategy for destroying the vessel. He explained that Russian intelligence failed to detect the drones, at least five of which were used in the attack.
Butusov praised the attack tactics employed by Group 13 commanders, stating that the first drone disabled the propellers of the boat from the starboard side, while the second drone disabled them from the left side. These blows effectively deprived the vessel of movement and maneuverability. The third drone struck the hull under the Mosquito missile launchers, creating a large hole on the left side. The explosion from the fourth drone proved fatal for the warship, breaking it into pieces and leaving the crew with little chance of survival.
The success of this operation showcases the high level of reconnaissance, planning, preparation, and management carried out by Ukraine’s soldiers, command, and operators of Group 13 Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense. It is worth noting that since Putin’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, at least 26 Russian vessels have been attacked by Ukraine’s forces.
While the video footage is compelling, it is important to await further verification and comments from Russia’s Defense Ministry. This incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Ukraine and Russia and the escalating conflict in the region.
