Ukrainian Sea Drone Destroys Russian Tugboat in the Black Sea

Ukraine's Defense Ministry executed a targeted strike on a Russian tugboat, recognized as the Project 498 (Saturn or Protey type), on June 6, near Crimea's shores.

The operation was carried out by the special unit 9 of Defence Intelligence of Ukraine, the ministry confirmed in a statement. Accompanying the announcement was a video shared via social media, capturing the moment when a Ukrainian sea drone approached the Russian vessel and launched an attack. However, the video abruptly concludes after the strike, leaving the extent of the damage to speculation.

In addition to the successful strike on the tugboat, reports emerged of the Ukrainian Air Force's interception and downing of 17 out of 18 Russian Shahed drones launched over Ukrainian territory.

In early February this year, Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesperson for the Naval Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, provided insights into the impact of Ukrainian operations on the Russian Navy. Initially estimated to comprise approximately 80 warships at the onset of the invasion, recent assessments indicate significant losses for Russia. Twenty-five vessels have been confirmed destroyed, with an additional 15 undergoing repairs, according to Pletenchuk.

"I can say that the Black Sea Fleet operations have been greatly complicated, if not paralyzed," Pletenchuk was quoted as saying by reports.

Among the notable losses incurred by Russia are several key vessels, including the Saratov Alligator-class amphibious landing warship, Moskva guided missile cruiser, Vasily Bekh rescue tugboat, Olenegorskiy Gornyak Ropucha-class tank landing ship, Minsk Ropucha-class landing vessel, Rostov-on-Don Kilo 636.3 class submarine, Askold Project 22800 Karakurt-class corvette, Novocherkassk Ropucha-class landing ship, and Ivanovets Tarantul-class missile corvette.

Furthermore, reports indicate that several other Russian ships, allegedly destroyed by Ukrainian forces, have yet to be officially identified. These include Raptor-class patrol boats, a BK-16 high-speed assault boat, a Serna-class landing craft, and a Stenka-class patrol vessel.