Ukraine’s military sunk another Russian warship this week in the Black Sea in what is another major blow to Russia’s Navy.
Ukraine has destroyed more than one-third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet since the start of the war in February 2022 and has done so using inexpensive suicide sea drones.
“As a result of a strike by Magura V5 maritime drones, the Russian ship Project 22160 Sergei Kotov sustained damage to the stern and to the starboard and port sides,” said the Main Directorate of Ukraine’s Military Intelligence (HUR). “The action occurred in the territorial waters of Ukraine, not far from the Kerch Strait.”
Ukraine’s military later reported that the 1,300-ton patrol vessel, which cost $65 million (USD), had sunk, according to CNN.
The attack reportedly killed seven Russian crew members and injured more than two dozen.
Videos posted online showed one of the drones chasing the vessel as the ship tried to destroy the drone.
Footage from March 5th showing the Moments prior to the Sinking of the Project 22160 Patrol Ship, Sergey Kotov off the Coast of Crimea as Russian Sailors attempted to Destroy several Ukrainian MAGURA V5 Surface Drones that can be seen approaching the Ship. pic.twitter.com/oAVHp8WRGm
— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) March 6, 2024
Sergei Kotov started a new mission — exploring the bottom of the Black Sea. This Russian patrol ship used to protect the important ships and objects, in particular the Crimean bridge. Crimea is 🇺🇦, Ukrainian naval drones and @DI_Ukraine 💪 pic.twitter.com/3bb4fcoYvU
— Mykhailo Fedorov (@FedorovMykhailo) March 5, 2024
The Sergei Kotov was one of Russia’s newest naval vessels having only been in operation for a little over two years.
The 300-foot ship had a range of 6,000 miles, could carry 80 sailors, and was equipped with various weapons, including the ability to carry a helicopter.
Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky did not make a direct reference to the ship in his daily video address, but did tout Ukraine’s military capabilities, much of which has come from the United States.
“Ukraine has proved what we are capable of, what our strength is capable of,” Zelensky said. “That is shown by the number of downed Russian aircraft and the capabilities of our boys against the Russian fleet. There are no safe havens for Russian terrorists in the Black Sea and nor will there be.”
Related: Ukraine Hits Another Russian Warship In Black Sea, Claims Its Sunk One-Third Of The Fleet