Ukraine Strikes Russian Navy Ship in Black Sea Drone Attack
Ukraine has ramped up the heat with a daring drone strike targeting a Russian navy ship at a Black Sea base. A Ukrainian security insider told AFP the attack hit the Olenegrorsky Gornyak landing ship docked at Russia’s Novorossiysk naval base. The aim? To prove Ukraine can hit any Russian warship in the area.
Russia, however, claims it repelled the strike using two unmanned sea boats. They also say a similar drone attack was thwarted over Crimea’s annexed territory.
Black Sea Tensions Surge After Moscow Ends Grain Deal
Fighting in the Black Sea has escalated sharply since Moscow ditched a key trade deal last month. The pact allowed Ukrainian grain to flow through the vital shipping lanes despite the conflict. Both sides have amped up attacks — targeting military and shipping assets in this strategic hotspot.
Ukrainian Drones Hit Russian Tanker, Halt Crimean Bridge Traffic
In a separate brazen strike, Ukrainian drones hit the Russian chemical tanker SIG in the Kerch Strait. The hit briefly stopped traffic on the critical Crimean bridge. Notably, the SIG is blacklisted by the US for supplying jet fuel to Russian forces in Syria.
Crimea Under Siege as Ukraine Intensifies Attacks
Since Russia’s 2014 annexation, Crimea has been a constant target for Ukrainian strikes. Recent weeks have seen a spike in drone attacks, including a massive ammo depot explosion and damage to the strategic Kerch Strait bridge in July.
Russian Defence Ministry reports shooting down 13 drones over Crimea with no casualties or damage. Meanwhile, Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu toured the frontlines, congratulating troops on recent gains in Lyman, eastern Ukraine.
Frontline Conflict: Ukraine’s Tough Fight Continues
Following a counteroffensive last year that reclaimed territory near Kherson and Kharkiv, Ukrainian forces face stiff resistance from entrenched Russian defences. President Volodymyr Zelensky admitted the fighting remains fierce, especially on eastern and southern fronts.
Deputy Defence Minister Ganna Malyar says progress in the south is slow but steady — with Ukrainian troops grinding forward despite the odds.
