In a significant display of growing power, Ukrainian forces are believed to have successfully sunk the Russian Ivanovets warship near occupied Crimea. The attack, carried out by multiple sea drones overnight, showcases Ukraine's expanding capabilities in the Black Sea region.

Ukraine's military intelligence released a grainy video showing the sea drones launching an assault on the Russian corvette. The footage culminated in three dramatic images depicting the warship listing, exploding, and ultimately sinking into the water. Russian military bloggers also confirmed the sinking of the Ivanovets, further supporting Ukraine's claims.

Western officials later stated that they believed the warship was destroyed in an attack utilizing long-range uncrewed drones. The Ukrainian Ministry of Defence declared in a statement that the corvette was damaged, rolled to the stern, and finally sunk as a result of direct hits to the hull. The estimated value of the ship is approximately $60m-$70m.

The Ivanovets warship, typically manned by a crew of about 40, was hit by the sea drones during the attack. Although casualties were not immediately confirmed, given the intensity and speed of the assault, it is highly likely that there were casualties among the crew.

Russia has not yet officially commented on the incident. However, pro-Kremlin military bloggers acknowledged that the Ivanovets warship had been hit. They reported that the vessel had been struck three times and highlighted the crew's determined fight to keep the ship afloat.

Ukraine, despite starting the war with no navy, has steadily pushed back against Russia's early dominance in the Black Sea. Through the use of long-range missile attacks and innovative sea drone tactics, Ukraine has successfully challenged Moscow's control. As a result, Russia has been compelled to withdraw the majority of its Black Sea fleet from its base in Crimea to Novorossiysk on the Russian mainland.

Ukraine's reliance on sea drones, which are modified jetskis controlled remotely and operate in swarms, has proven cost-effective and efficient. The Ukrainian military has employed sea drones in various attacks, targeting military ships, the base in Sevastopol, and Novorossiysk harbor. They have also utilized conventional means to sink Russian warships, such as the flagship Moskva, which was hit by two Neptune cruise missiles in April 2022.

The successful deployment of sea drones extends beyond military assets. Last year, Ukraine's SBU intelligence service employed remotely controlled sea drones to attack the Russian-built Kerch Bridge connecting Crimea to the mainland. The drones, known as "Sea Babies," were packed with explosives and caused significant damage to the bridge, resulting in its temporary closure.

This recent victory in the Black Sea adds a much-needed bright spot for Ukraine, whose forces have encountered defensive setbacks on multiple fronts following a failed summer counteroffensive. Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine's chief military commander, emphasized the country's advances in drone development. He highlighted the effectiveness of unmanned weapons systems in minimizing human losses and reducing reliance on conventional armored vehicles and heavy weaponry.

Zaluzhnyi outlined the potential of remote technology, enabling Ukraine to deliver swift, massive strikes against critical infrastructure facilities and communication hubs without deploying expensive missiles or manned aircraft. This development provides Ukraine with an advantage in avoiding a prolonged positional war against Russia, which boasts superior manpower and artillery.

As Ukraine continues to enhance its military capabilities, the success of the sea drone attack serves as a testament to the country's determination to challenge Russian dominance in the region and protect its interests in the Black Sea.

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