Ukraine on Monday said its underwater drones had for the first time in the war with Russia successfully struck a Russian submarine docked in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk.
Kyiv has stepped up naval attacks in recent weeks on what it said were Russia-linked vessels in the Black Sea. Russia’s force regularly strike the Ukrainian port of Odesa.
Two Turkish cargo carriers have been hit in recent days in what Kyiv said were strikes on Russian targets. Turkey has called for a halt to attacks on ports and energy facilities and warned of an “escalation” in the area.
On Monday, Ukraine’s SBU security service claimed the hit on the Russian submarine.
“The Security Service of Ukraine carried out another unique special operation and launched a naval attack in the port of Novorossiysk,” the SBU said on Telegram.
“For the first time in history, Sub Sea Baby underwater drones blew up a Russian… submarine,” it added.
The SBU said the submarine “carried four Kalibr cruise missile launchers” used to strike the Ukrainian territory. It suffered “critical damage and was effectively put out of action.”
Russia has not immediately commented on the claims.
Since Russia’s invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly struck Russian ships in the Black Sea with drones and missiles.
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© Agence France-Presse
