In the ongoing tensions around the contested Black Sea, Russia’s Ministry of Defence announced that its naval forces have successfully destroyed three unmanned Ukrainian boats in the northern part of the Black Sea off the Crimean Peninsula. The latest attack is part of a series of incidents in the crucial waterway that plays a strategic role in Russia’s offensive against Kyiv.

According to the ministry’s statement on the Telegram messaging app, “Anti-sabotage missiles and bombs hit the area where the unmanned boats were detected.” Simultaneously, an anti-mining and “anti-sabotage” operation is underway off the port of Sevastopol in the Black Sea, where Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is stationed. The fleet, consisting of around 30 warships, has been utilised by Moscow to attempt a blockade of Ukraine’s coastline and launch missile attacks on Ukrainian cities.

The immediate impact of the Black Sea attack on Tuesday, including casualties or damage, is yet to be confirmed, and Kyiv has not issued an immediate comment on the incident.

The Black Sea has been a focal point of conflict, with Ukraine intensifying attacks on Crimea in recent months. Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, gaining control of the Black Sea and attempting to assert dominance in the region. September witnessed Kyiv’s claim of hitting two naval vessels and damaging Sevastopol’s port infrastructure, marking a severe blow to the area.

The engagement in the Black Sea has allowed Ukraine to establish a new “humanitarian corridor,” facilitating its exports after Russia abandoned a shipment deal in July. This corridor, cutting through the waters of NATO members Bulgaria and Romania, has enabled Ukraine to export approximately 700,000 tonnes of grain, providing a crucial boost to its economy.