Overview
- Ukraine’s Security Service said its Sub Sea Baby underwater drones struck a Kilo-class submarine carrying Kalibr launchers and left the vessel out of service.
- Video released by the SBU shows a large explosion at a pier in the port; Reuters confirmed the location, but outlets said they could not independently assess the damage.
- Russia’s Black Sea Fleet denied any damage at the base, with spokesman Alexei Rulev calling the underwater sabotage attempt unsuccessful.
- Kyiv described the operation as a joint SBU–Navy action and part of a broader campaign targeting Russian naval and energy assets after many Black Sea Fleet units shifted from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk.
- Ukrainian officials said disabling the boat would remove a Kalibr platform and impose high replacement costs of roughly $400–$500 million, while noting repairs would be difficult if the hull must be worked on above water.