KYIV, Ukraine – Ukraine’s defense intelligence released footage showing a sea drone attacking Russia’s Caesar Kunikov warship in the Black Sea on February 14, 2024. This is the latest in a series of sea drone attacks on Russia’s Black Sea fleet.
The Ukrainian military claims that their special forces unit, “Group 13,” in collaboration with the security and defense forces, were responsible for the attack on the Russian warship Caesar Kunikov. The attack involved the use of “MAGURA” V5 drones, which reportedly punctured critical holes on the warship’s left side, causing it to sink.
While Ukraine has continued to carry out strikes on Russia’s navy, Russian officials have not officially responded to Ukraine’s claims. This attack represents Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to land both strategic and symbolic blows against Russian forces that annexed Crimea in 2014.
In recent years, Ukraine has shifted its focus to the Black Sea, aiming to isolate the peninsula and make it more difficult for Russia to sustain its military operations on the Ukrainian mainland. This approach has become particularly significant as Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine nears its second anniversary, with the frontlines remaining mostly static for several months.
Ukraine’s use of sea drones has proven to be an effective strategy, particularly in the Black Sea, where their small size and maneuverability make them difficult for Russia to target. Despite their small size, these drones have a large range, allowing military units to launch them from various locations along Ukraine’s coastline for missions against Crimean targets.
The use of drones has provided Ukraine with an advantage, as they offer the best way to avoid being drawn into a positional war, where Ukraine lacks the advantage. This sentiment was echoed by Ukraine’s former top general, Valerii Zaluzhnyi, who highlighted the importance of unmanned systems like drones in Ukraine’s war strategy.
The recent sea drone attack on the Caesar Kunikov warship is just one example of Ukraine’s evolving tactics and continued efforts to counter Russian military operations in the region. With the ongoing conflict showing no signs of resolution, Ukraine’s strategic use of sea drones and other advanced weapons remains crucial in maintaining its defense against Russian forces.