Ukraine claimed that its underwater drones had successfully attacked, for the first time in the war with Russia, a Russian submarine docked in the port of Novorossiysk, in the Black Sea.

“The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) carried out another unique special operation and launched a naval attack on the port of Novorossiysk,” the entity stated on Telegram.

“By “For the first time in history, Sub Sea Baby underwater drones destroyed a Russian submarine,” it added. The SBU stated that the submarine, which “carried four Kalibr cruise missile launchers” used to attack Ukrainian territory, suffered “critical damage and was rendered inoperable.” Russia did not immediately comment on these claims regarding one of its submarines, valued at $400 million. The SBU statement added that Russia has been forced to withdraw its Black Sea Fleet to the port of Novorossiysk due to repeated Ukrainian drone attacks on its ships while stationed in the Crimean Peninsula. Kyiv has intensified naval attacks in recent weeks against what it claims are Russian-linked vessels in the Black Sea. Russian forces regularly attack the Ukrainian port of Odesa. Two Turkish cargo ships were hit in recent days in what Kyiv described as attacks against Russian targets. Turkey called for a halt to attacks on ports and energy facilities and warned of an “escalation” in the region. Since the start of the Russian invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has repeatedly attacked Russian ships in the Black Sea with drones and missiles.