NEW: #Ukraine‘s military intelligence (GUR) claims to have recaptured the “Boiko Towers” drilling rigs in the Black Sea, after clashing with Russian.
GUR says “Russia occupied them [Boiko Towers] in 2015, and with the beginning of the full-scale invasion, used them for military… pic.twitter.com/m4v6WhtoF4
— Michael A. Horowitz (@michaelh992) September 11, 2023
The Ukrainian military has successfully reclaimed the Boyko Towers, important offshore platforms near Russian-occupied Crimea, that had been under Russian control since 2015. The platforms have been of strategic importance, utilized by Russia for multiple operations in the Black Sea. During the recapture, Ukrainian special forces reportedly damaged a Russian Su-30 fighter plane and seized valuable equipment.
Key Points:
- The Boyko Towers, including the Petro Hodovalets, Ukraina drilling platforms, Tavrida, and Syvash rigs, have been taken back by the Ukrainian military from Russian control.
- These offshore platforms had been used by Russia for operations like observation, radar surveillance, and as helipads in the northwestern Black Sea since their capture in 2015.
- During the operation, Ukrainian forces inflicted damage on a Russian Su-30 fighter plane using a portable surface-to-air missile and captured critical equipment, which includes missiles, radar, and ammunition.
- This recent seizure of the Boyko Towers weakens the Russian defenses around Crimea and augments Ukraine’s capacity to strike Russian forces in the region using drones and missiles.
- The move supports Ukraine’s goal to re-establish a Black Sea trade route, particularly benefiting the grain trade, and illustrates the capability of Ukrainian forces to operate near Russian-controlled Crimea.
Source: https://maritime-executive.com/article/ukrainian-special-forces-retake-russian-held-offshore-rigs
