In a significant escalation of naval warfare, Ukraine's security service announced a first-of-its-kind strike against a Russian submarine in the Black Sea on Monday. The attack, carried out using specialised underwater drones, targeted the vessel at the port of Novorossiysk.
A Historic Naval Strike
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) revealed the details of the operation on its official Telegram channel. The agency stated that its 'Sub Sea Baby' underwater drones successfully struck a Russian submarine, marking the very first instance of such an attack since the full-scale war began in February 2022.
According to the SBU, the targeted submarine was a vessel equipped with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers. These missile systems have been frequently used by Russian forces to launch long-range strikes on Ukrainian territory. The security service asserted that the submarine sustained 'critical damage' and has been 'effectively put out of action.' Russian authorities have not yet issued an official response to these claims.
Intensifying Attacks in the Black Sea
This underwater assault is part of a broader pattern of intensified Ukrainian attacks on Russian naval assets and linked vessels in the Black Sea region over recent weeks. Concurrently, Russian forces have continued their bombardment of the crucial Ukrainian port city of Odesa.
The maritime conflict has also drawn in third-party vessels. In recent days, two Turkish cargo carriers were hit in strikes that Ukraine claims were aimed at Russian targets. This development has prompted Turkey to issue a warning, urging a halt to attacks on ports and energy infrastructure to prevent a dangerous regional escalation.
Strategic Implications and Regional Tensions
The successful use of underwater drones represents a new chapter in Ukraine's asymmetric naval strategy. Since the invasion began, Ukraine has consistently targeted Russia's Black Sea Fleet using a combination of sea drones and missiles, aiming to challenge Russian dominance in the region.
The strike on Novorossiysk, a major Russian port and naval base, demonstrates Ukraine's growing capability to project force deep into areas Moscow previously considered secure. This incident underscores the evolving nature of the conflict and raises the stakes in the Black Sea, a vital corridor for global grain and energy exports. The international community remains watchful as these attacks threaten to widen the conflict's impact on global trade and regional stability.
