Tue Dec 16 08:00:00 UTC 2025: News Article: Ukraine Claims Drone Strike Cripples Russian Submarine in Novorossiysk
Kyiv, Ukraine – Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) announced Monday that it conducted a successful underwater drone strike on a Russian Kilo-class submarine docked at the port of Novorossiysk. The SBU claims the attack, executed using domestically-produced “Sea Baby” drones, inflicted “critical damage” to the vessel, effectively taking it out of operation.
According to the SBU, the targeted submarine was equipped with four Kalibr cruise missile launchers, frequently used in strikes against Ukrainian territory. While Russia has yet to comment on the incident, the Ukrainian statement was released amidst diplomatic efforts in Berlin, where US, European, and Ukrainian officials are discussing potential paths toward ending the conflict.
The attack comes as Ukraine seeks to demonstrate its ability to inflict significant damage on Russian assets. Dmytro Pletenchuk, a Ukrainian navy spokesperson, hailed the strike as a “turning point” in the naval conflict, highlighting the challenge Russia will face in repairing the submarine, which would require exposing the vessel above water and risking further attacks. Pletenchuk stated that Russia has now lost one of its four submarines stationed in Novorossiysk, three of which are Kalibr missile carriers.
The alleged successful strike follows increased Ukrainian naval operations targeting what it says are Russian-linked vessels, and sustained attacks on Russian energy infrastructure and military installations. The incident marks a significant escalation in the naval dimension of the ongoing war between the two countries.
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