Ukraine Uses Underwater Drones to Strike Russian Submarine for the First Time in War

On Monday, Ukraine announced that its underwater drones had successfully targeted a Russian submarine for the first time since the onset of the conflict with Russia, striking it while docked at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) shared on Telegram that a «unique special operation» had been conducted utilizing naval drones in the port area.

“For the first time ever, the Sub Sea Baby underwater drones have detonated a Russian Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarine,” stated the SBU, noting that the submarine was armed with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers which had been employed to attack Ukrainian territory.

The SBU reported that the submarine incurred «critical damage» and was rendered effectively inoperable.

In response, the Russian Black Sea Fleet acknowledged the occurrence of an attack but refuted claims that any ships were harmed.

“The enemy’s attempt to execute sabotage using an unmanned underwater vehicle did not succeed,” said Captain 1st Rank Alexei Rulev, the fleet’s press service chief, in an official statement. “No vessels or submarines located at the Novorossiysk naval base or their crews were affected, and they are continuing their operations as normal.”

Since Russia commenced its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has consistently targeted Russian vessels in the Black Sea with drones and missiles.

In recent weeks, Kyiv has intensified its naval assaults on what it identifies as Russian-affiliated ships in the Black Sea. Two Turkish cargo vessels were struck in the past days, categorized by Ukraine as attacks on Russian assets.

Turkey has urged a cessation of assaults on ports and energy infrastructure, cautioning against the potential for escalating tensions in the region.

Russian forces persistently bombard the Ukrainian port city of Odesa.

Reporting by AFP contributed to this story.