Ukraine’s military claims its attack drones sank a Russian warship in the Black Sea. The announcement on Wednesday, Feb. 14, came following the release of a video allegedly showing three Magura V5 drones attacking the Caesar Kunikov — an amphibious Russian ship — resulting in an explosion and plume of smoke coming from the vessel.
Ukranian forces said the sea-based drones punctured three “critical holes” in the ship, according to CNN. CNN also noted that the Ukrainian military shifted its focus to the Black Sea, striking Crimean and Russian ships in an effort to cut off the peninsula from Russian forces.
NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg said Wednesday during a press conference that victories by Ukraine in the Black Sea have opened up a vital shipping route, allowing Ukraine to export grain and other resources, according to CNN.
CNN also reported that Ukraine had no large ships in the Black Sea. Sea drones have been pivotal in leveling the playing field with Russia’s navy. A Ukrainian navy spokesperson told CNN that Russia has just five large landing ships remaining in the Black Sea.
In January, Ukrainian drones also sank another large Russian warship, the Ivanovets in the Black Sea. Ukrainian intelligence said the ship was valued at $70 million.
The sea-based drones used in the attacks against Russian ships can carry a payload of 700 pounds and reach a maximum speed of 50 miles per hour, according to CNN.
One of Ukraine’s drone pilots told CNN that drones have given Ukraine an advantage in the Black Sea because they are hard to detect and target, allowing them to infiltrate waters around Russian warships.
Reuters reported that Ukrainian forces claim to have disabled 25 Russian ships and one Russian submarine. Ukrainian forces said that in total they have destroyed 33% of Russia’s naval fleet in the Black Sea.
A Russian spokesperson did not confirm Ukraine’s attack on the Caesar Kunikov and instead deferred all questions to the Russian military.
Ukraine’s General Staff told The Associated Press that the Caesar Kunikov sank near Alupka, a city on southern edge of the Crimean Peninsula. Russia annexed the Crimean Peninsula in 2014. Ukrainian intelligence said the ship that allegedly sank can carry up to 87 crew members.
