Ukraine's military has reported that it successfully sank a Russian submarine, the Rostov-on-Don, in the port of Sevastopol in Crimea. The General Staff of Ukraine's Armed Forces made the announcement, stating that the submarine was hit in the port and subsequently sank on the spot. This incident marks another setback for Russia in the occupied peninsula.
While the claim has not been independently verified, Ukraine asserts that the sinking of the Rostov-on-Don is part of its ongoing efforts to target Russian naval assets in the Black Sea. The submarine, a Kilo II-class vessel commissioned in 2014, is equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, which Ukraine views as a threat to its infrastructure.
Ukraine's military strategy includes targeting Russian assets armed with Kalibr missiles, as these have been used in the past to attack critical Ukrainian facilities. The successful attack on the Rostov-on-Don is seen as a significant achievement for Kyiv's forces.
This is not the first time the Rostov-on-Don has been targeted by Ukraine. The submarine was previously damaged in a missile attack in September 2023 but had undergone repairs and testing before the recent incident in Sevastopol.
Ukrainian forces have reportedly disabled or destroyed more than 20 Russian naval vessels, representing a third of the entire fleet. Despite having a limited navy, Ukraine has employed technological innovation and strategic tactics to gain an advantage over Russia's Black Sea Fleet.
In addition to the submarine sinking, Ukrainian forces also damaged four S-400 anti-aircraft missile launchers on the same day. This destruction could potentially allow Ukrainian warplanes to target more Russian assets in Crimea.
Russia has not yet commented on the alleged attack, and the situation remains tense in the region. The incident underscores the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia in Crimea, which has been occupied by Russian forces since 2014.
