KYIV - Ukrainian military intelligence announced via the Telegram messaging app that a Ukrainian special unit, Group 13, carried out an attack on a Russian Black Sea Fleet patrol ship named Sergey Kotov near the Kerch Strait. The assault, executed with Magura V5 maritime drones, resulted in significant damage to the stern, starboard, and port sides of the Russian vessel, which is estimated to be worth approximately $65 million. Andriy Yermak, the chief of staff for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, reiterated the sentiment that the presence of the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Crimea symbolizes occupation and emphasized that such presence cannot be tolerated on Ukrainian territory.

The aftermath of the attack also affected transportation infrastructure, as train traffic was temporarily halted on the bridge connecting the Crimean peninsula to mainland Russia. Additionally, highway traffic was suspended for several hours before resuming just before 0700 GMT. These disruptions were reported through the Telegram channel of an official installed by Russia in Crimea.

It's important to note that Reuters was unable to independently verify these reports, and the Russian defense ministry did not immediately respond to requests for comment. This incident follows a recent assertion by Ukrainian military sources claiming the destruction of a Russian landing warship near Crimea in a drone operation, which breached the vessel's port side and ultimately led to its sinking.