Russian forces in the Black Sea have suffered another humiliating setback after a military helicopter was blasted out of the sky by a naval drone in what Ukraine claimed was a world-first.
Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has adopted an innovative and asymmetrical military strategy in the Black Sea, particularly focusing on Crimea.
And Volodymyr Zelensky’s approach was vividly illustrated in a clip circulated today.
A statement issued by the Ukrainian Defence Ministry claimed it showed a Magura V5 naval strike drone equipped with missile weapons downing an air target “for the first time in history”.
The statement continued: “During the battle in the Black Sea near Cape Tarkhankut in temporarily occupied Crimea, a Russian Mi-8 helicopter was destroyed by the use of R-73 SeeDragon missiles.
“Another similar enemy helicopter was hit by fire and was able to reach its base airfield.”
The grainy infrared footage shows a helicopter in mid-air, followed by a series of explosions, and message “Happy New Year”.
Since Vladimir Putin’s invasion in February 24, 2022, and lacking a traditional navy, Ukraine has made use of advanced technologies and unconventional tactics to challenge Russian naval dominance.
Drones such as the Magura V5 have been instrumental in targeting Russian warships, inflicting significant damage on the Russian Black Sea Fleet, compelling a strategic retreat from positions near the Crimean peninsula.
In addition to drone warfare, Ukraine has employed precision missile strikes to disrupt Russian operations in Crimea. The use of domestically produced Neptune anti-ship missiles has been particularly effective, with the sinking of the Russian cruiser Moskva just a few months into the war being a prime example.
Additionally, Ukraine has targeted critical infrastructure, including the Kerch Bridge, to impede Russian supply lines and logistics.
Such strategic strikes have not only weakened Russia’s military capabilities in the region but have also demonstrated Ukraine’s capacity to challenge Russian control over Crimea.
Ukraine has also sought to reclaim offshore platforms in the Black Sea, which have been under Russian control since 2015.
In September 2023, Ukrainian forces successfully recaptured several of these platforms, enhancing their strategic position in the region.
These operations have been complemented by attacks on Russian air defence systems and naval assets in Crimea, further eroding Russia’s operational capabilities.
Russia launched an aerial attack on Ukraine on Tuesday, striking the capital and other regions with multiple missiles and drones.
Ukraine’s air force reported a ballistic missile threat at 1am (GMT) with at least two explosions heard in Kyiv minutes later. Another missile alert was issued at 8am followed by at least one explosion in the city. Missile debris fell in the Darnytskyi district of the capital with no reports of casualties or damage, the local administration said.
Authorities in the northeastern Sumy region reported strikes near the city of Shostka, where the mayor, Mykola Noha, said 12 residential buildings had been damaged as well as two educational facilities. He said some “social infrastructure objects” were destroyed, without providing detail.
The air force also reported missiles and drones targeting several other regions of Ukraine.
