Foreign Ministry official Alexander Scherba described the attack as “impressive”.
Ukrainian forces said they destroyed a Russian missile boat of the Black Sea Fleet in a targeted operation near Russian-occupied Crimea. Military intelligence stated that the small warship “Ivanovich” was “directly hit by the hull” at night and subsequently sank.
The Ukrainian army also released video footage purporting to show the moment of impact, followed by a massive explosion.
Russian authorities have yet to comment on the incident British Broadcasting Corporation the report said. Meanwhile, Russian military blogger “Voenkor Kotenok” wrote on Telegram that the ship sank after being hit three times by a naval drone.
The Ukrainian video shows several identifiable features on the ship that are consistent with those of the Tarantu, also known as Project 12411 – used by Russian and other navies missile boat, to which the Ivanovich belongs.
Shipwreck of the day!
Warriors of the Special Forces “Group 13” @DI_Ukraine Destroyed the Russian Black Sea Fleet guided missile frigate “Ivanovich”.
As a result of multiple direct hits to the hull, the frigate was damaged, rolled astern and sank. the value of… pic.twitter.com/JZwh8aggn0
— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) February 1, 2024
These features include the arrangement of masts and sensors atop the main superstructure, as well as a large radar dome located on the bridge.
According to Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Service, the ship was eliminated on Lake Donuzlav by members of its special forces “Group 13”. This saltwater bay is located on the western side of the Crimean Peninsula and houses a naval base.
“As a result of a series of direct hits to the hull, the Russian ship suffered damage that prevented it from moving further – the Ivanovich tilted astern and sank,” the company said on its Telegram channel.
The BBC reported that Russian search and rescue operations in the area were unsuccessful. The ship is said to be worth approximately $60-70 million.
Foreign Ministry official Alexander Scherba described the attack as “impressive”.
“03:45 [01:45 GMT] After the first impact, the entire crew was evacuated at 04:00. So the ship had no chance of being rescued,” he told the BBC.
Ukraine has scored a series of victories in conflicts in and around the Black Sea, causing damage or destruction to Russian warships despite lacking its own naval fleet.
