Russian Warship ‘Ivanovets’ Destroyed in Ukrainian Naval Drone Attacks

Ukraine's Military Intelligence Directorate (GUR) announced the destruction of a Russian warship, identified as the Ivanovets missile corvette, off the coast of annexed Crimea.

The operation was carried out by Ukrainian special forces deploying waterborne drones, resulting in direct hits to the ship's hull and rendering it immobile. The vessel eventually sank after the attack, as shown in a video released by the GUR.

The GUR stated that the targeted ship was patrolling the Black Sea near Lake Donuzlav in occupied Crimea at the time of the operation, which took place overnight on Wednesday. The statement did not provide details on casualties or the success of Russian search and rescue operations.

Ukraine's Defense Intelligence released a separate video corroborating the attack, showcasing Ukrainian sea drones targeting the Ivanovets. The footage displayed the drones approaching the vessel amid gunfire, eventually causing a significant explosion and the sinking of the ship.

According to spokesperson Andriy Yusov, Ukrainian naval drones proved effective in the operation. The report did not specify the type of drone used, but it highlighted the deployment of Sea Baby Unmanned Surface Vehicles (USVs) in recent months, including the destruction of part of the Crimean Bridge in July 2023.

The value of the Russian ship is estimated to be approximately $60-70 million before its sinking.

Russian authorities have not yet responded to the claims made by Kyiv.

In related developments, Russian milbloggers and the country's defense ministry claimed that four Ukrainian sea drones were "destroyed" overnight, contradicting the Ukrainian narrative. However, there was no mention of damage to the Ivanovets in these reports.

Sea Baby USV

Sea Baby's details are mostly classified, but the disclosed information indicates that the drones were satellite-controlled, capable of carrying 800 kg of TNT with a minimum range of 800 km, as specified by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU). Featuring a new hull design with a rising skiff-like bow, these drones were deployed in naval operations, armed with 450 kg explosives, causing damage to the "Olenegorsky Miner" landing craft and a Russian oil tanker.