Ukraine Says Destroyed Russian Patrol Ship in Crimea

Ukraine's GUR military intelligence announced the destruction of a Russian patrol ship, the Sergei Kotov, off the coast of annexed Crimea.

Kyiv additionally asserted responsibility for a drone strike targeting an oil depot in a Russian border region.

Ukraine says it has destroyed over two dozen Russian ships since Moscow's invasion in February 2022.

The attack on the 94-meter (308-foot) patrol vessel happened near the Kerch Strait, off the Crimean Peninsula that Moscow annexed in 2014. According to GUR, the ship sustained damage to its stern, starboard, and port sides during an attack by seaborne drones near the Kerch Strait. The military intelligence spokesperson, Andriy Yusov, stated that details about the crew's status are being clarified, with casualties reported and the possibility of evacuations.

Unconfirmed reports from anonymous sources on the Telegram messaging app suggested that nearby residents heard explosions and gunfire just after midnight local time.

A video released on YouTube by Ukraine's GUR claims to show drone footage of the attack, revealing a seaborne drone approaching the ship and a subsequent explosion.

Russia's Defense Ministry has not issued any comments regarding Ukraine's claims or the circulated video footage. Hours before the reported incident, the Kremlin-installed authorities in Crimea announced the temporary suspension of road traffic along the Crimean Bridge, spanning the Kerch Strait, without providing an explanation. Normal traffic was later restored just before 7:00 am on Tuesday.