Ukraine has confirmed the destruction of a Russian submarine anchored in the occupied Crimean peninsula, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the two nations. The Ukrainian military announced that the Rostov-on-Don, a Kilo-class attack submarine, was sunk during a missile strike on the port city of Sevastopol. This event represents a critical blow to Russia’s Black Sea fleet, further intensifying the tensions in the region.
The Rostov-on-Don, which was launched in 2014, is one of four submarines in Russia’s Black Sea fleet capable of launching Kalibr cruise missiles. The loss of this vessel underscores Ukraine’s increasing capability to target and destroy key Russian military assets, even in heavily defended areas such as Crimea. The Russian defence ministry has yet to comment on this latest setback, but it is clear that the attack has raised significant concerns within Moscow.
In addition to sinking the submarine, Ukrainian forces also claimed to have destroyed four S-400 air defence systems stationed in Crimea. These systems were critical to Russia’s defence strategy in the region, particularly after the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. The destruction of these air defence systems highlights the vulnerability of Russian forces in Crimea and raises questions about their ability to protect the peninsula from further attacks.
UK intelligence officials had previously noted that the Rostov-on-Don likely suffered catastrophic damage during a missile strike while undergoing maintenance at a Sevastopol shipyard last September. Despite efforts to repair the vessel, it appears that Ukrainian forces have once again rendered it inoperable. According to Kyiv, the submarine was worth approximately $300 million (£233 million), making its loss a significant financial blow to Russia.
Ukraine’s general staff emphasised that the destruction of the Rostov-on-Don demonstrates that there is no safe haven for the Russian fleet within the Ukrainian territorial waters of the Black Sea. This attack is part of a broader strategy by Ukraine to disrupt Russian naval operations in the region. In recent months, Ukraine has successfully targeted several Russian vessels in Sevastopol, including two landing ships and a patrol vessel in March.
Since the onset of Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, the Russian navy has suffered a series of significant setbacks. Ukraine claims to have damaged or sunk at least 15 Russian warships, including the flagship of the Black Sea fleet, the Moskva. These losses have not only weakened Russia’s naval capabilities but have also served as symbolic victories for Ukraine, boosting morale and international support for their cause.
In a related development, Ukraine’s military recently forced Russia to withdraw all naval assets from the Sea of Azov due to repeated strikes on its vessels. This retreat underscores the growing effectiveness of Ukraine’s military strategy and its ability to challenge Russian dominance in the region. Meanwhile, Russia’s internal security service, the FSB, has claimed that it thwarted a Ukrainian plot to destroy the Admiral Kuznetsov, Russia’s last remaining aircraft carrier. The vessel, which has been undergoing repairs since 2018, is seen as a crucial asset for the Russian navy.
Ukraine has also intensified its efforts to target Russian infrastructure, including a major airfield and oil depots. Ukrainian drones reportedly struck the Morozovsk airfield in Russia, causing significant damage to fuel and ammunition depots. These strikes are part of a broader effort by Ukraine to disrupt Russian military logistics and prevent further attacks on Ukrainian cities.
The recent attacks on Russian soil come after a week in which Russia launched over 600 guided air bombs towards Ukraine. President Volodymyr Zelensky has emphasised the importance of stopping Russian aircraft from launching these munitions, arguing that it is “quite fair” for Ukraine to target airfields within Russia. Ukraine’s ability to strike deep into Russian territory is likely to intensify the conflict further, especially as Western allies have started to permit Kyiv to attack certain targets within Russia.
In a related development, Ukraine has received its first deliveries of F-16 fighter jets from NATO allies, with reports indicating that six jets from the Netherlands have arrived in the country. These jets are expected to play a crucial role in Ukraine’s air defence strategy, as Kyiv seeks to counteract Russian advances on the frontlines, particularly in the east of the country where Moscow’s forces have been making incremental gains in recent weeks.
