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KYIV — On Thursday, Ukraine announced a significant military achievement, confirming the destruction of a Russian submarine using advanced British weaponry during a missile strike on the strategic Black Sea port of Sevastopol, which is currently under Russian occupation. This action highlights Ukraine’s ongoing efforts to counter Russian naval capabilities in the region and demonstrates the effectiveness of international military support.

During this large-scale Ukrainian offensive, the Russian cruise missile carrier, the Rostov-on-Don, sustained considerable damage. Additionally, another Kremlin warship, the Minsk, was also impacted by the strike. This development underscores the ongoing conflict’s volatility and the strategic importance of naval assets in the Black Sea, a critical theater of operations in the war.

A senior Ukrainian military official confirmed to POLITICO that the British cruise missile, Storm Shadow, was deployed in this decisive operation. The involvement of this advanced missile system showcases the enhanced capabilities available to Ukrainian forces through international partnerships, significantly impacting the course of the conflict.

In response, Russia’s Defense Ministry reported that Ukraine launched a total of ten cruise missiles targeting the Sevastopol shipyard on Wednesday, claiming that only three successfully struck their intended targets, resulting in damage to two naval vessels. However, Ukraine’s military later asserted responsibility for the assault, declaring that the Russian ships would be unable to undergo repairs in the near future, signaling a potential shift in naval power dynamics in the region.

“The large Russian landing ship Minsk and the submarine Rostov-on-Don, which were damaged during the nighttime strike in Sevastopol, are likely beyond repair,” stated Andriy Yusov, a representative of Ukraine’s Ministry of Defense, during an interview on Ukrainian television. This assertion was corroborated by Russian Telegram channels, which confirmed the involvement of these vessels in the attack.

Natalia Humeniuk, affiliated with Ukraine’s Army Operational Command South, emphasized that the naval ships were likely irreparably damaged, as the only facility capable of conducting repairs—the shipyard—was severely affected by the missile strikes. This situation illustrates the challenges facing the Russian military in maintaining its naval operations and highlights Ukraine’s strategic targeting of critical infrastructure.

Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk publicly hinted at the Air Force’s role in the Sevastopol attack, confirming the use of British Storm Shadow missiles. His statement expressed gratitude to the Air Force pilots for their exceptional combat performance, indicating a sense of pride and morale within the Ukrainian military ranks during these challenging times.

“While the occupiers are still recovering from a storm in Sevastopol, I would like to thank the pilots of the Air Force for their excellent combat work! To be continued …” Oleshchuk remarked, hinting at future operations. This comment reflects the ongoing determination and strategic agility of the Ukrainian military in the face of adversity.

This operation came just days after Ukraine successfully seized control of four oil and gas drilling platforms in the Black Sea near Crimea’s coastline, significantly disrupting Russian radar capabilities in that maritime area. Such actions not only bolster Ukraine’s operational capabilities but also demonstrate a proactive approach to reclaiming control over strategic maritime regions.

“Ukrainian forces seized a rare opportunity to strike a submarine while it was on the water’s surface. This marked the first successful use of air-to-air missiles against a submarine,” noted Ukrainian military expert and former officer Roman Svitan in an interview with POLITICO. He compared the significance of this operation to the previous year’s sinking of the Moskva cruiser in the Black Sea, asserting, “I would say this is an even bigger success.” This perspective underscores the evolving nature of warfare in the region and the strategic implications of these military successes.

Invading Russian forces have frequently launched cruise missiles targeting cities and towns in western Ukraine from submarines stationed in the Black Sea, as Russian President Vladimir Putin’s military campaign continues to unfold. The ongoing conflict remains dynamic, with both sides adapting their strategies in response to battlefield developments.