Ukraine Claims First-Ever Underwater Drone Strike on Russian Missile Submarine

Ukraine said on Monday that it successfully struck and disabled a Russian missile-carrying submarine at a Black Sea naval base using underwater sea drones, marking what Kyiv described as a historic first in naval warfare. Russia, however, strongly denied that the attack caused any damage.

According to the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), the operation targeted a diesel-electric submarine docked at the port of Novorossiysk, a key naval base where Russia has relocated much of its Black Sea Fleet to reduce vulnerability to Ukrainian strikes. The attack reportedly used Ukrainian-made “Sub Sea Baby” underwater drones. Footage released by the SBU showed a large explosion erupting from the water near a pier where submarines and other vessels were moored. Reuters independently verified the video location based on the port’s layout.

Alexander Kamyshin, an adviser to President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said on social media that this was the first time in history an underwater drone had neutralized a submarine. Russia’s Black Sea Fleet swiftly rejected the claim, stating that none of its ships or submarines in Novorossiysk were damaged and that crews remained on duty as normal.

Ukraine has increasingly relied on sea drones and long-range missiles to counter Russia’s naval dominance in the Black Sea, despite having almost no conventional naval fleet left. These tactics have previously forced Russia to move vessels away from the Crimean port of Sevastopol. The submarine targeted in Novorossiysk is believed to be capable of carrying Kalibr cruise missiles, which Russia has frequently used in large-scale attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.

The reported strike comes during sensitive U.S.-brokered peace talks, as Ukraine seeks to demonstrate military leverage amid concerns over unfavorable settlement terms. Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk described the operation as a major turning point, noting that submarines are among the most difficult naval targets to hit. He added that repairs would likely require surfacing the vessel, leaving it exposed to further attacks.

Ukraine continues to expand its drone and missile programs, intensifying strikes on Russian military and energy targets as it attempts to narrow the battlefield gap with Moscow.