BTN News: In a significant blow to the Russian Navy, the Ukrainian military has announced the successful sinking of the Russian submarine “Rostov-na-Donu” in the port of Sevastopol, located in the annexed Crimean Peninsula. The attack was part of a coordinated operation involving Ukraine’s Navy and rocket forces, showcasing Ukraine’s growing capability to strike high-value targets despite ongoing challenges. This submarine, valued at approximately $300 million, had already been undergoing repairs after sustaining substantial damage from a Ukrainian missile strike in September of the previous year. Its destruction marks a notable victory for Ukraine in its ongoing conflict with Russia.
The “Rostov-na-Donu” began its service in 2014 and was one of the four Kilo-class submarines in the Russian Black Sea Fleet. These submarines are known for their ability to launch Kalibr missiles, which have been employed by Moscow to strike Ukrainian targets. The sinking of this submarine not only represents a tactical victory but also a strategic setback for the Russian Navy’s operations in the Black Sea.
According to the Ukrainian military’s statement on social media, the submarine was effectively targeted and sank “on the spot” in Sevastopol’s harbor. This marks the second time the “Rostov-na-Donu” has been hit, further highlighting the vulnerability of Russian naval assets in the region. The previous missile strike had already inflicted substantial damage, necessitating extensive repairs which were still underway at the time of the recent attack.
In addition to the submarine’s destruction, the Ukrainian forces also reported significant damage to four S-400 Triumph anti-aircraft systems located on the occupied peninsula. These systems are critical components of Russia’s air defense strategy in Crimea, and their impairment represents another strategic win for Ukraine.
The broader implications of these attacks are substantial. The Ukrainian Navy claims that missile and drone strikes have rendered more than a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet inoperable. This has forced Moscow to relocate almost all its operational ships and submarines from Crimea to more secure locations, leaving behind only those vessels undergoing repairs. This strategic retreat underscores the effectiveness of Ukraine’s recent military operations and its ability to disrupt Russian maritime dominance in the region.
As the conflict continues, such high-profile attacks are likely to have a significant impact on the morale and operational capacity of Russian forces. For Ukraine, these successes bolster its resolve and demonstrate its capacity to conduct sophisticated and effective military operations, even against heavily fortified and strategically important targets. The sinking of the “Rostov-na-Donu” is not just a symbolic victory but a practical demonstration of Ukraine’s increasing military prowess and strategic acumen in its ongoing struggle for sovereignty.
