Tue Dec 16 02:40:11 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
On December 15, 2025, Ukraine conducted a successful underwater drone strike on a Russian Kilo-class attack submarine stationed at the port of Novorossiysk, a key Black Sea base to which Russia had relocated naval assets to avoid Ukrainian attacks. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility, releasing footage of the explosion. Ukrainian officials stated it was the first time a submarine had been neutralized by an underwater drone and that it was a turning point in the naval conflict with Russia. The strike comes amidst tense U.S.-brokered peace negotiations and underscores Ukraine’s determination to demonstrate its ability to inflict damage on Russian assets, despite lacking a traditional navy.
News Article:
Ukrainian Drone Strike Disables Russian Submarine in Key Black Sea Port
NOVOROSSIYSK, RUSSIA – December 16, 2025 – A Ukrainian underwater drone strike has reportedly disabled a Russian Kilo-class attack submarine at the port of Novorossiysk, a crucial naval base in the Black Sea. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, releasing footage purportedly showing a powerful explosion near a pier where a submarine and other vessels were docked.
Ukrainian officials are hailing the operation as a historic first, marking the first time an underwater drone has successfully neutralized a submarine. Alexander Kamyshin, an advisor to President Zelenskyy, made the announcement on X. According to the SBU, the “Sub Sea Baby” drone was used to strike the submarine, one of several vessels Russia moved to Novorossiysk from Crimea to escape previous Ukrainian strikes.
“This day once again upends the perception of the possibilities of naval combat in this war,” Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk told Reuters. He emphasized the difficulty of hitting a submarine and called the attack “another turning point” in the naval conflict.
The targeted Kilo-class submarine is capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been used extensively in Russian strikes against Ukrainian infrastructure. Its disablement reduces Russia’s strike capabilities in the Black Sea and complicates future repair efforts, according to Ukrainian officials.
The strike comes at a sensitive time, coinciding with U.S.-brokered peace negotiations between Ukraine and Russia. Amid concerns that Ukraine may be pressured to accept unfavorable terms, the attack sends a clear signal of Ukraine’s continued resistance and its ability to inflict damage on Russian assets.
Russia has not yet publicly commented on the incident. However, the loss of the submarine, one of only four stationed in Novorossiysk, is a significant blow to its Black Sea Fleet. Ukraine has increasingly relied on long-range drones and missiles to counter Russia’s superior military capabilities and has intensified attacks on Russian oil, gas, power, and military targets in recent months.
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