Ukrainian naval drones from the Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) sank one of the Russian Black Sea Fleet's patrol ships on Tuesday morning, marking another blow to the Kremlin's naval power in the region, a source in the HUR revealed to the Kyiv Post.
The explosives, remotely controlled by HUR personnel, hit the ship while it was patrolling the Kerch Strait.
According to the source, Ukrainian naval drones, in particular MAGURA V5, were used in the operation. The source declined to reveal the exact number of drones used in the operation.
Reports from the Krymsky Veter [Crimean Wind] The Telegram channel reported explosions near the occupied Crimean coast with visible smoke in the sea.
Later, the Telegram channel published a video of the exact time of the explosion.
The Russian operator of passenger trains to Crimea reported that several trains had stopped near Crimea [Kerch] Bridge due to blocked traffic on the bridge. The bridge had been closed for more than eight hours.
In a series of strikes against the Russian fleet, Ukrainian drones sank the Ceasar Kunikov, one of the heaviest afloat warships in the Russian Black Sea Fleet, on February 14.
At least three attack boats loaded with explosives and remotely controlled by employees of the Ukrainian Defense Ministry's Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR) hit the heavy assault ship Caesar Kunikov while the ship was near the coast of the Crimean resort of Alupka.
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Ukrainian naval drones, in particular MAGURA V5, were also used in this operation.
The Ukrainian-developed MAGURA V5 Unmanned Surface Vehicle (USV) features versatility in maritime missions, including surveillance, reconnaissance, patrol and combat operations.
With its hydrodynamic body and agile maneuverability, the V5 has quasi-stealth capabilities.
Measuring 5.5 meters (18 feet) long and 1.5 meters (4.9 feet) wide, it has a cruising speed of 22 knots (40.7 kilometers per hour) and a top speed of 42 knots (77. 8 kilometers per hour) with a range of approximately 833 kilometers (518 miles).
SpecialTechnoExport and its developers highlighted its affordability and unmanned control capability that minimizes manpower needs and risks in demanding environments at the International Defense Industry Exhibition in July 2023.
Exclusive to Kyiv Post: HUR officially confirms that Ukrainian naval drones sank the Russian patrol ship Sergey Kotov
The overnight sinking was confirmed to the Kyiv Post and now on Telegram: