Ukraine hits Russian submarine in the Black Sea with its first underwater drone strike- how did ‘Sea Baby’ drones disable a stealth Varshavyanka-class vessel, and what could this mean for the naval battle and peace talks ahead?
Ukraine has carried out an attack on a Russian submarine
Kyiv: In a significant development in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, Ukraine has reportedly carried out its first-ever underwater drone attack on a Russian submarine in the Black Sea.
The operation, confirmed by Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU), involved the use of ‘Sea Baby’ naval drones to strike a Varshavyanka-class submarine, a vessel known for its stealth capabilities and sonar evasion.
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The SBU shared footage of the attack on its Telegram channel, stating that the submarine, which carries four launchers for Kalibr cruise missiles, suffered “critical damage” and is now effectively out of service. The vessel, often nicknamed the “black hole” for its ability to absorb sound and remain undetectable, represents a strategic threat in the region due to its missile capabilities.
The cost of constructing a Varshavyanka-class submarine is approximately $400 million, rising to $500 million under current international sanctions, the SBU noted. Previously, in September 2023, Ukraine had targeted a similar Russian submarine, the “Rostov-on-Don,” highlighting a growing focus on naval capabilities in the conflict.
According to Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, striking a submarine considered one of the most difficult military targets is a significant “turning point” in the naval aspect of the war. The success of the drone attack demonstrates the growing sophistication of Ukraine’s military technology and strategic operations at sea.
The underwater strike comes amid ongoing negotiations with the United States to develop a potential peace plan for the conflict. It also precedes a highly anticipated phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, further highlighting the global implications of military actions in the region.
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The Russia-Ukraine war, which began in February 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Kyiv, remains one of the deadliest conflicts in Europe since World War II. Both nations continue to engage in fierce military confrontations across land, air, and sea, with the recent underwater drone strike underscoring Ukraine’s evolving tactics and the high stakes of the ongoing war.
The international community is now closely watching Russia’s response to the latest attack, which could influence the trajectory of naval operations and peace negotiations in the region.
