In an uncommon turn of events, a Russian attack has resulted in the sinking of a Ukrainian warship, leading to the deaths of two servicemen, with several others currently unaccounted for. This information was confirmed by Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for Ukraine’s navy, who spoke with AFP on Friday.
The incident marks one of Russia’s first successful assaults utilizing a naval drone, targeting the Ukrainian reconnaissance vessel Simferopol in the Danube River delta. Ukraine’s acknowledgment of the ship being hit is significant, given the mutual reluctance of both nations to publicly disclose military losses during the ongoing conflict.
Pletenchuk emphasized the ongoing search for missing personnel who were aboard the Simferopol, although he refrained from confirming whether a drone was indeed responsible for the attack or specifying the exact location where it occurred. He also mentioned that there were additional wounded individuals.
Prior to the invasion, Ukraine maintained a significantly smaller naval presence compared to Russia. However, since the onset of the conflict in 2022, Ukraine has effectively deployed naval drones to great effect. In contrast, the use of such technology is relatively new for Russia’s naval operations.
On Thursday, the Russian defense ministry released black-and-white footage purportedly showing the attack, which captured a large explosion on the water’s surface—a vivid display of the ongoing maritime hostilities.
The situation reflects a broader trend in the conflict. Successful Ukrainian naval drone operations have compelled Russia to relocate its fleet from the western Black Sea earlier in the war. This strategic shift has enabled Ukraine to establish an export corridor along its southern coastline, crucial for the sale of agricultural goods, amidst the ongoing turmoil of the war.
