Russia's Defence Ministry has released new video footage showing intense naval clashes in the Black Sea, near Crimea, where Russian forces successfully destroyed multiple Ukrainian naval sea drones in a shock ambush.
The video depicts fires and heavy smoke engulfing the waters during the firefight.
Russian forces shred Ukrainian naval arsenal in Black Sea ambush
Russia stated that it used a combination of small arms fire and Lancet loitering drones to counter the Ukrainian drone attacks. The timing coincides with a significant uptick in Ukrainian strikes targeting Russia’s Black Sea fleet and coastal assets, as Ukraine employs increasingly sophisticated naval drones and drone strike tactics in the conflict.
These Ukrainian attacks have targeted several key Russian positions recently, including the destruction of Russian amphibious patrol aircraft (Be-12 "Chaika"), transport aircraft, radars, and crucial naval bases on the Crimean Peninsula. Ukrainian forces also struck major Russian oil export terminals along the Black Sea coast, paralyzing vital logistics hubs.
The recent ambush highlights the escalating struggle for control over the Black Sea and reflects Ukraine’s growing capability to challenge Russian naval dominance using unmanned systems. Russia’s use of integrated air and sea defense—including small arms and loitering drones—was crucial in achieving this counterattack.
This development comes amid ongoing intense fighting and drone warfare in the region, with both sides suffering significant equipment losses. Control of the Black Sea remains strategically critical, underpinning the broader conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
In summary, the video captures Russia's successful defensive operation against Ukrainian naval drones, reflecting the intensified low-intensity naval combat warfare in the Black Sea theater near Crimea in September 2025. The clash exemplifies the increasing role of drone technology in modern naval warfare within the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
