Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) carried out a successful drone strike against a Russian-controlled gas platform in the Black Sea, destroying radar equipment and other Russian military assets.
In a Telegram post, the SBU said the strike targeted the Boyko Towers — gas rigs that Russia seized after annexing Crimea in 2014. The SBU’s 13th Main Directorate of the Military Counterintelligence Department led the strike using a combination of air and sea drones.
The operation reportedly started with an aerial drone strike, followed by a precision strike carried out by a maritime drone. A video released by the agency shows a large explosion and fire on the platform, though the footage has not been independently verified.
⚡️ The Security Service of Ukraine destroyed radar and warehouses on Boyko’s towers with drones.
First, one of the towers was hit by an aerial drone, then by a naval drone. The Neva radar, warehouses and a residential block were destroyed.
“We used two types of drones in one… pic.twitter.com/bCiZFfFnre
— BLYSKAVKA (@blyskavka_ua) May 19, 2025
“Within one special operation, SBU specialists used two types of drones, which demonstrated the effectiveness of working in pairs,” the SBU stated in their report. “We once again reminded the enemy that no Russian junk has a place in the Black Sea.”
According to SBU, the strike destroyed the Neva-B radar system, capable of tracking up to 200 targets simultaneously, along with warehouse facilities and living quarters on the platform.
This is the third known Ukrainian strike on the Boyko Towers, following earlier attacks in June 2022 and December 2024.
Ukraine has used over 100 uncrewed surface drones, like the Magura V5 and Sea Baby, since 2022 to strike Russian ships, platforms, and infrastructure.
In addition to the recent strike, the SBU also highlighted earlier drone operations, which included strikes on the Crimean Bridge and 11 Russian warships. According to the SBU, these attacks have weakened Russia’s naval dominance in the Black Sea and played a key role in reopening the grain corridor.
