The battle for dominance in the Black Sea raged on this week between Ukraine and Russia, as elsewhere each side’s forces continued the bitter fight for control in Ukraine’s east with winter looming.
Recent events indicate heightened tensions between Ukraine and Russia. Ukraine claims to have targeted small Russian naval vessels with sea drones, underscoring its resolve to strike Russian positions even in occupied Crimea. Additionally, an explosion in Russian-occupied territory in Luhansk, eastern Ukraine, resulted in the death of a pro-Moscow official. Ukrainian intelligence has claimed responsibility for the assassination, further escalating the situation between the two countries. The developments highlight the ongoing complexities and hostilities in the region.
Defence Intelligence released grainy, grayscale video showing what it claims is the moment of the strikes.
CNN notes that it cannot independently verify the video, including the date or location of the footage. The video, seemingly recorded from onboard dash cameras on two unmanned surface drones, depicts the drones approaching targets resembling landing craft at a dock. The second drone records the first one as it strikes what seems to be a Russian landing craft. In the footage, heavy equipment on board the Russian vessel can be observed as the second drone approaches its target.
As of now, Russia has not officially commented on the incident. However, Russian military bloggers have claimed that unmanned boats targeted vessels of Russia’s Black Sea fleet. The situation remains complex, and developments in the region are subject to ongoing scrutiny and assessment.
Ukraine has been actively targeting sites in occupied Crimea as part of a broader strategy to disrupt Russian logistics, fuel, maintenance, and command centers, hindering their ability to supply front lines. Kyiv is also working to challenge Russia’s dominance in Ukraine’s Black Sea waters.
In response, Moscow has intensified missile and drone attacks on Odesa to impede Ukraine’s shipping route from its Black Sea ports. The Ukrainian military reported that a Liberian-flagged cargo ship was hit as it approached the Odesa region’s port on Wednesday, resulting in the death of the ship’s pilot and injuries to four others. The situation underscores the ongoing tensions and strategic moves in the region.