Ukrainian attacks on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet have resulted in significant damage, costing Moscow hundreds of millions of dollars according to estimates from Kyiv. The Main Intelligence Directorate of Ukraine (HUR) stated that the Magura V5 maritime drones were responsible for approximately $500 million worth of damage to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s naval fleet, making them a prime target for Ukraine as they aim to push Russia out of their territory. Recent footage suggests that Ukraine has adapted the Magura V5 drones to carry air-to-air Soviet missiles, enhancing their capabilities.
The Magura drones have been utilized in multiple attacks on Putin’s navy, including the destruction of high-speed Russian landing boats in the Uzka Bay in Crimea and Putin’s newest patrol ship, the Sergey Kotov. These successful attacks have caused significant financial losses to Russia, with the Sergey Kotov alone estimated to cost around $65 million. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has stated that the war with Moscow will not end until all territory, including Crimea, is returned to Kyiv’s control, leading to increased attacks on Russian military targets in the Crimean Peninsula.
In recent months, Ukraine has intensified its bombardment of Russian military targets in Crimea, leading to disruptions in traffic on the Kerch Strait Bridge, a vital route for Moscow’s forces to transport supplies. The bridge has been targeted by Ukraine twice since the war began, in October 2022 and July 2023. Satellite imagery reviewed by the U.K. Defense Ministry indicates that Russia has likely upgraded its Black Sea Fleet in response to Ukraine’s attacks, investing in logistics, maintenance, and support for weapons systems at the Novorossiysk facility east of Crimea.
While Newsweek could not independently verify HUR’s damage estimate, the military intelligence service’s claims highlight the effectiveness of Ukraine’s maritime drones in targeting Russian naval assets. The ongoing conflict between the two countries shows no signs of abating, with Ukraine continuing its efforts to push Russian forces out of its territory and reclaim control of Crimea. The use of advanced technology such as the Magura V5 drones underscores Ukraine’s determination to defend its sovereignty and resist Russian aggression in the region.
With tensions remaining high in the Black Sea region, the situation between Ukraine and Russia continues to evolve, with both sides engaged in a protracted conflict over territorial disputes. The damage inflicted on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet by Ukrainian maritime drones underscores the significant financial and strategic costs borne by Moscow in this ongoing conflict. As both countries strive to assert their influence and control in the region, the use of advanced military technology and tactics will likely play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the conflict and the future of the Black Sea.
