Ukraine Says Hit Russian Submarine in Wartime First
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Ukraine Claims Successful Drone Attack on Russian Submarine in Novorossiysk
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– Last updated December 15, 2023, 22:29:44 UTC
Reported Attack and Ukrainian Claims
on August 24, 2023, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced a “unique special operation” targeting the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Novorossiysk, Russia. The SBU claimed its naval drones, dubbed “Sub Sea Baby,” successfully destroyed a Russian project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarine Reuters reported. This class of submarine, also known as the Kilo-class, is capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been used to strike targets within Ukraine.
According to the SBU, the submarine sustained “critical damage” and is effectively out of action. This claim marks the first reported instance of underwater drones being used to destroy a Russian submarine. The SBU statement highlighted the significance of the target, noting its missile capabilities were used in attacks on Ukrainian territory.
Russian Response and Contradictions
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet acknowledged an attack occurred but disputed the SBU’s claims of damage. Captain 1st Rank Alexei Rulev, head of the fleet’s press service, stated that an attempt to sabotage the naval base with an unmanned underwater vehicle failed and that no ships or submarines were harmed RBC reported. Rulev asserted that all vessels and crews continued their duties as usual.
This discrepancy between Ukraine’s claim of a destroyed submarine and Russia’s denial of any damage presents a challenge to autonomous verification. The lack of independent access to the Novorossiysk naval base makes confirming either account arduous.
Ukraine has consistently targeted Russian ships in the Black Sea with drones and missiles sence the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022. These attacks are part of a broader Ukrainian strategy to disrupt Russia’s naval capabilities and logistics in the region. Recent weeks have seen an increase in these naval attacks, with Kyiv focusing on vessels it identifies as Russian-linked.
On August 18th and 19th,2023,two Turkish cargo ships were struck in the Black Sea,with Ukraine claiming these were unintended consequences of targeting Russian vessels