Tue Dec 16 01:34:37 UTC 2025: ## Ukraine Claims First-Ever Underwater Drone Attack, Disabling Russian Submarine
NOVOROSSIYSK, RUSSIA – Ukrainian officials announced Monday that their forces successfully struck and disabled a Russian Kilo-class attack submarine in Novorossiysk, Russia, using domestically developed underwater drones. The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the attack, marking what they say is the first instance of an underwater drone neutralizing a submarine in naval warfare.
The SBU released footage allegedly showing a powerful explosion near a pier in Novorossiysk, where the submarine and other vessels were docked. Reuters confirmed the location using the port’s layout.
“This is a turning point,” stated Alexander Kamyshin, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, highlighting the strategic impact of the operation.
The strike targets a vital Russian naval asset, capable of carrying Kalibr cruise missiles, which have been heavily used in attacks against Ukrainian infrastructure. The submarine was one of many relocated from Crimea to Novorossiysk following prior Ukrainian strikes.
Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk emphasized the difficulty of hitting a submarine and stated that Russia has now lost one of its four submarines stationed in Novorossiysk. He said repairing the submarine would be difficult because it would be exposed to attack if it was above water.
The attack comes amid ongoing US-brokered peace negotiations and heightened tensions. Ukraine aims to demonstrate its ability to inflict significant damage on Russian assets, especially after comments by US President Donald Trump suggested Ukraine lacked leverage in negotiations.
Russia has not yet publicly commented on the incident. The success of the operation signals a significant development in Ukraine’s maritime defense strategy, relying on innovative drone technology to challenge the superior Russian Black Sea Fleet.
First Piper 