Russian-appointed officials woke up to a jolt on Saturday, reporting explosive sounds near the bridge that connects mainland Russia with the annexed region, Crimea. It was later linked to a daring Ukrainian drone attack on a Russian tanker.

Russian Tanker Suffers Damage, Sea Rescue on the Move

The Russian Sea rescue service, stationed at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, jumped into action, deploying tugboats to assist the damaged tanker, which was reportedly unable to operate independently. The rescue centre confirmed to Russia’s Tass news agency that the vessel, docked at the south side of the Kerch strait, had suffered considerable damage, primarily in the machine room.

A Significant Strike on Russian Navy Base by Ukraine

A Ukrainian naval drone launched a surprise assault overnight on Russia’s navy base at Novorossiysk, leaving a Russian warship severely damaged. This marks a momentous event as the first instance of the Ukrainian Navy venturing its powers beyond the country’s shores.

Russian Officials Deny Connection with Bridge

Russian-installed officials in Crimea, annexed by Moscow in 2014, stated that the explosive sounds had no connection with the Crimea bridge, which has previously experienced two attacks since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine 17 months ago.

Reports of Multiple Explosions and Tanker Assaults

Meanwhile, Ukraine’s UNIAN news agency and Pro-Russian officials in occupied parts of Ukraine reported three explosions in the area, stating that a tanker operating under a Russian flag in the Kerch Strait, identified as the SIG, was targeted by Ukrainian drones. A Russian-appointed official in Ukraine’s southeastern region of Zaporizhzhia shared audio clips of the vessel requesting tugboats for towing the tanker, revealing damages within the vessels.

This striking event stirs the waters in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, shedding light on Ukraine’s bold and unprecedented military move. With Ukraine remaining silent on this assault, it awaits to be seen how this audacious drone attack will affect the future of the conflict.

  Black Sea, Crimea, drones, Kerch Strait, Moscow, Novorossiysk, Russia, Ukraine