On Monday, Ukraine announced that its underwater drones successfully targeted a Russian submarine for the first time, hitting it while it was docked at the Novorossiysk port on the Black Sea.

According to the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), a statement shared on Telegram revealed that the operation involved naval drones and was described as a “unique special operation.”

“This marks the first occasion in history where our Sub Sea Baby underwater drones detonated explosives on a Russian Project 636.3 Varshavyanka-class submarine,” the SBU stated, noting that the submarine was armed with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers capable of attacking Ukrainian locations.

The SBU reported that the submarine sustained “critical damage” and was rendered inoperable.

In response, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet acknowledged an attack occurred but refuted claims of any damage to their vessels.

“A failed attempt by the enemy to conduct sabotage using an unmanned underwater vehicle did not achieve its intended objectives,” a Black Sea Fleet spokesman declared.

He added, “No vessels or submarines at the Novorossiysk naval base, nor their crews, were harmed, and they continue their operations as normal.”

Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has consistently targeted Russian naval assets in the Black Sea with drone and missile strikes. In recent weeks, Kyiv has intensified its maritime assaults on vessels it links to Russian interests. Two Turkish cargo ships were struck recently, which Ukraine designated as attacks on Russian targets.

Turkey has urged a cessation of strikes on ports and energy facilities, cautioning against the potential for escalated conflict in the region.

Russian forces frequently carry out assaults on the Ukrainian port city of Odesa.

This report includes contributions from AFP.