Ukraine has announced that it successfully targeted and destroyed a Russian warship in the Black Sea, specifically off the coast of Russian-controlled Crimea, on Wednesday.
Although the claim has been made by Ukrainian military authorities, it has not yet been confirmed by Moscow.
The vessel in question, known as the “Caesar Kunikov,” is an amphibious warfare ship utilized for landing operations and providing support to ground forces. Its reported sinking coincides with the upcoming third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24.
If validated, this incident would mark the 15th Russian ship reportedly destroyed by Ukraine, as asserted by Ukrainian defense officials. Over the past two years, Ukraine claims to have incapacitated approximately 20% of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, a notable achievement considering Ukraine’s lack of a formal navy.
According to Ukraine’s general staff, the Caesar Kunikov was purportedly sunk approximately 2.5 miles off the coast of Alupka, a city situated on the southern tip of the Crimean Peninsula, which was annexed by Moscow in 2014.
Ukrainian military intelligence has indicated that the ship was targeted and neutralized by a specialized unit known as “Group 13,” utilizing Magura V5 sea drones. Video footage released by Ukraine appears to depict these sea drones striking the vessel, with reports suggesting that the Caesar Kunikov was transporting ammunition at the time of the incident.
The Magura V5 naval drone, developed in Ukraine, is operated by the Group 13 division and can be equipped with various sensors and payloads tailored to specific mission requirements.
The Caesar Kunikov holds strategic importance for Russia’s navy due to its unique ability to land without docking, facilitated by its movable bow doors. Capable of transporting tanks, troops, and other essential supplies, the vessel was named after Tsezar Kunikov, a Soviet Naval Infantry officer, and was constructed in Poland in 1986. It has participated in several conflicts, including the Syrian Civil War, the Russo-Georgian War, and the ongoing Russo-Ukrainian War as part of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
Russia’s Black Sea fleet has been actively seeking to secure ports along the Sea of Azov and the bridge connecting Crimea to mainland Russia, aiming to restrict Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea.
This recent incident follows a similar claim by Ukrainian forces of sinking a Russian vessel in the Black Sea just two weeks prior. Last week, Ukraine released video evidence purportedly showing drones attacking the Russian corvette Ivanovets, which was equipped with missiles.
