Ukrainian drone attack on Russian ship in Black Sea?

Unverified footage has emerged that appears to show a drone speedboat attack on the Russian naval vessel Ivan Khurs in the Black Sea earlier this week, Britain’s The Guardian newspaper has reported.

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Image by Luaks Johnns from Pixabay

The Russian reconnaissance ship was attacked with “sea drones” in the early hours of Wednesday, 74 kilometres north of the Bosphorus Strait and 400 kilometres from Ukraine’s territorial waters, according to Ukrainian media.

As a result of the attack, some of the crew of the Ivan Khurs were injured and the vessel needs repairs, Ukraine’s state broadcaster Suspilne reported, citing a source it did not name.

Russia's defence ministry said on Wednesday that Ukraine had attempted to attack a Russian vessel using three drones, but the ship did not sustain any damage, Polish state news agency PAP reported. 

The video circulating on social media appeared to show at least one of the drones getting extremely close to the ship, though it remains unclear whether or not any damage was done, The Guardian reported.

The Russian reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs was hit by a marine drone. Footage of the alleged attack on the ship was released online.

Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry said that the attack was repelled and all "enemy drones" were destroyed.

Russian warship, you know what to… https://t.co/TkgP4eAbko pic.twitter.com/gWARSYIpkv

— NEXTA (@nexta_tv) May 25, 2023

Ukraine’s defence ministry published the footage on Twitter on Thursday and wrote: “When the russian reconnaissance ship Ivan Khurs met a Ukrainian drone. Indeed, a perfect match!” 

When the russian reconnaissance ship "Ivan Khurs" met a Ukrainian drone.
Indeed, a perfect match! pic.twitter.com/mW3clD0vHh

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) May 25, 2023

Friday is day 457 of Russia’s war on Ukraine.

(pm/gs)

Source: PAP, The Guardian