By The newspaper
01 Feb 2024, 22:09 PM EST
Ukrainian forces successfully sank the Russian warship Ivanovets near occupied Crimea, showcasing kyiv’s growing prowess in the Black Sea through the use of sophisticated marine drones.
The operation, captured on video released by Ukrainian military intelligence, highlights a dramatic escalation in Ukraine’s naval capabilities despite beginning the conflict with virtually no navy.
The Ivanovets, valued at approximately $60 million to $70 million, suffered direct hits that caused it to sink, according to the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense.
Here is the moment of the destruction of the Ivanovets:
This small missile warship, normally crewed by about 40 people, represents a significant loss for Russia, which did not immediately comment on the incident.
The success of the attack underscores the changing dynamics in the Black Sea, where Ukraine has been countering Russia’s initial dominance with innovative tactics and technologies.
Ukraine’s innovative use of marine drones
Ukraine has made up for its initial naval disadvantages by deploying marine drones, modified jet skis that cost tens of thousands of dollars, that operate in swarms and can be controlled remotely.
According to The Guardian, these drones have been used to attack Russian ships and military installations, marking a change in maritime warfare. The sinking of the Ivanovets follows a series of similar attacks, including the notable sinking of the flagship Moskva in April 2022, which significantly affected the operational capabilities of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.
The success of Ukraine’s drone strategy extends beyond the Black Sea, reflecting a broader trend in modern warfare that emphasizes unmanned weapons systems.
Valerii Zaluzhnyi, Ukraine’s military commander-in-chief, has highlighted the rapid development and wide range of applications of these systems, which offer a cost-effective means of conducting operations while minimizing human losses and dependence on traditional military equipment.
However, yesterday, President Zelensky announced that he was seriously considering replacing Commander Zaluzhnyi, which would mark the largest reorganization of the Ukrainian military since the invasion of Russia began in early 2022.
Either way, it is worth noting that Ukraine’s ability to launch sudden and massive attacks on critical targets without expensive missiles or manned aircraft could redefine conflict strategies in the future.
The recent operation against the Ivanovets not only represents a tactical victory for Ukraine but also signifies the growing importance of unmanned systems in contemporary warfare.
We can remember that the 2022 invasion was justified by Russia under various pretexts of security and protection of Russian speakers in Ukraine, although it was rejected by Ukraine and the majority of the international community as a violation of Ukrainian sovereignty and international law.
The escalation of the conflict has resulted in a serious humanitarian crisis, with thousands of civilians dead and millions displaced. Ukrainian critical infrastructure has suffered extensive damage, and the economies of both Ukraine and Russia, as well as the global economy, have been negatively impacted.
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