Ukraine Makes History with First Successful Underwater Drone Strike on Russian Submarine

Ukrainian forces have successfully executed a groundbreaking military operation, striking a Russian Kilo-class attack submarine using underwater drones in the strategic port of Novorossiysk, marking a historic first in naval warfare.

The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) deployed their innovative "Sub Sea Baby" underwater drones to target the Russian submarine stationed at what has become Russia's most critical remaining Black Sea naval base. This base gained importance after Russia relocated numerous vessels there to protect them from Ukrainian attacks.

Released footage from the SBU captured the moment of impact, showing a massive explosion erupting from the water near a pier where the submarine and other vessels were docked. Reuters independently verified the location by analyzing the port's structural layout.

Presidential advisor Alexander Kamyshin highlighted the historical significance of the operation on social media platform X, noting this represents the first instance in military history where an underwater drone has successfully neutralized a submarine.

This achievement is particularly remarkable given Ukraine's severely limited naval fleet. The country has increasingly relied on sea drones and missiles to challenge Russia's formidable Black Sea Fleet, effectively pushing Russian naval forces from their previous stronghold in occupied Crimea's Sevastopol.

According to Ukrainian officials, the targeted diesel-electric submarine was among numerous vessels Russia had been forced to relocate from Crimea to Novorossiysk in southern Russia. The submarine reportedly had the capacity to carry at least four Kalibr-type cruise missiles—weapons that have been instrumental in Russia's devastating strikes against Ukrainian power infrastructure in recent months.

Russian authorities have not immediately issued any public statement regarding the attack.

Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk described the operation as "another turning point" in the naval conflict between the two nations, emphasizing the exceptional difficulty of targeting a submarine. "This day once again upends the perception of the possibilities of naval combat in this war," he told Reuters.

Pletenchuk added that repairing the damaged submarine presents a significant challenge for Russia, as repairs would necessitate moving the vessel above water, leaving it vulnerable to further attacks. With this strike, Russia has lost one of its four submarines stationed in Novorossiysk, three of which were equipped to carry Kalibr missiles.

This strategic attack occurs during a sensitive period of US-brokered peace negotiations, which have generated concerns among Ukrainians about potentially unfavorable settlement terms. Ukraine appears determined to demonstrate its continued capability to inflict significant damage on Russian military assets, particularly after US President Donald Trump's remarks questioning Ukraine's negotiating position.

Ukraine has been steadily expanding its long-range drone and missile capabilities to counter Russia's extensive weapons arsenal, increasingly targeting Russian oil, gas, power, and military facilities.