Ukrainian Forces Strike Russian Warship in Ongoing Naval Battles, Reports Kyiv
Recent reports from Kyiv indicate Ukrainian military forces have struck another blow against a Russian warship, adding to a series of naval losses for Moscow's Black Sea Fleet. The ongoing conflict has reportedly diminished the fleet's strength by over a third since the beginning of the war.
Ukraine's military announced another victory on Tuesday, with a successful attack on a Russian warship. This adds to a series of losses for Moscow's Black Sea Fleet, as Kyiv claims that more than a third of its ships have been taken out since the war began.
According to the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, the attack was carried out by maritime drones from its Group 13 special unit. The target was the 1,300-ton Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov, which was hit in the Black Sea near the Kerch Strait, separating occupied Crimea from the southwest coast of Russia.
The Russian ship Project 22160 ‘Sergei Kotov’ suffered damage to the stern, starboard, and port sides due to a strike by Magura V5 maritime drones. This incident also led to a fire on board the vessel, as mentioned in a statement.
The mission was carried out in collaboration with the Ukrainian Navy and received support from Ukraine’s Ministry of Digital Transformation, according to the statement.
Andriy Yusov, from the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, shared in an interview with Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty that Sergei Kotov had been attacked before, but this time it was confirmed that he had been destroyed.
A fire on board the 1,300-ton Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov is pictured in video released by Ukrainian defense intelligence.
A fire on board the 1,300-ton Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov is pictured in video released by Ukrainian defense intelligence.
Defense Intelligence of Ukraine
Ukraine's maritime drones have been causing significant damage to Russian naval ships, particularly in recent months.
In mid-February, the Russian landing ship Caesar Kunikov came under attack from the same drones that targeted the Sergei Kotov. According to Ukrainian military intelligence agency, the drones made "critical holes" on the left side of the Russian ship, causing it to sink. This information was shared on Telegram.
In February, Ukraine reported that they had disabled a significant portion of Russia's warships, including 24 ships and one submarine, amounting to about 33% of Russia's naval assets. Russia's biggest naval loss during the conflict was the sinking of the guided-missile cruiser Moskva in April 2022.
The Sergei Kotov, one of Russia's newest ships in the Black Sea Fleet, was mentioned in a report by the Russian state-run news agency TASS on January 21, 2021. The report stated that the ship was launched on that day and was expected to soon become part of the Black Sea Fleet.
According to a report from TASS, the warship was 300 feet long (91 meters) and had a range of 6,000 nautical miles. It could accommodate a crew of 80 and was equipped with a helicopter, a 57mm gun, and a modern air defense system. Ukraine stated that the warship was priced at $65 million.
Editor's P/S:
The escalating conflict between Ukraine and Russia continues to unfold, with Ukraine's military claiming another victory in their ongoing defense against Russian aggression. The successful attack on the Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov, along with previous losses in the Black Sea Fleet, is a testament to the resilience and determination of the Ukrainian forces. It is both inspiring and deeply concerning to witness the ongoing violence and human suffering in this conflict.
The article highlights the strategic importance of Ukraine's maritime drones, which have been instrumental in targeting and damaging Russian naval ships. The effectiveness of these drones underscores the adaptability and innovation of the Ukrainian military in the face of a formidable adversary. However, the sheer number of ships damaged or destroyed serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of war and the urgency of finding a peaceful resolution to this conflict.
