Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) said it used a newly unveiled “Sub Sea Baby” underwater drone to strike a Russian Kilo-class submarine in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, marking the first reported attack of its kind.
In a statement, the SBU said the operation was a joint effort between the 13th Main Directorate of Military Counterintelligence of the SBU and the Ukrainian Navy. It did not disclose the timing of the strike, and the claim could not be independently verified.
The agency said the Varshavyanka-class submarine, which “carried four Kalibr cruise missile launchers used by Russia to strike Ukrainian territory,” suffered critical damage and was effectively rendered inoperable.
The SBU said the submarine, valued at about $400 million, had been forced to remain in Novorossiysk port following previous successes of Ukraine’s sea drone operations, which had compelled Russia to relocate numerous ships and submarines from Sevastopol Bay in occupied Crimea.
Russia has not immediately commented on Ukraine’s claim.
The SBU made its announcement as U.S., European, and Ukrainian officials met in Berlin to discuss a U.S. plan to end Russia’s war on Ukraine.
Kyiv has stepped up naval attacks on vessels it says are linked to Russia, alongside continued strikes on Russian energy infrastructure and military targets. In response, Russia has intensified attacks on Ukrainian energy facilities in recent weeks and continues to claim advances along the front lines in eastern Ukraine.
