UK intelligence reveals aftermath of Russian ship Sergei Kotov elimination
Photo: The destruction of the Sergei Kotov ship will reduce the maneuverability of the Russian fleet (Getty Images)
Ukraine has sunk three Russian warships over the past five weeks, continuing to restrict the freedom of maneuver of the Russian Black Sea Fleet, according to the UK Ministry of Defense.
On March 5, the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine stated that it had attacked and sunk the Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov near the Kerch Strait in the eastern part of the Black Sea.
The DIU reported that Magura V5 maritime unmanned surface vehicles were used in the attack on Sergei Kotov. Drones of the same type were used in the attack on the Russian amphibious assault ship Tsezar Kunikov on February 14, 2024.
According to UK intelligence, Sergei Kotov joined the Black Sea Fleet only in July 2022. Previously, it was attacked by a UAV in July and September 2023, sustained minor damage, and in both cases returned to service soon afterward.
"This is the third Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel sunk in the past five weeks. Likely because of Black Sea Fleet losses, on February 15 2024, the Black Sea Fleet Commander, Admiral Viktor Sokolov was dismissed. Ukraine continues to limit the freedom of manoeuvre of the Russian Navy in the Black Sea," the UK Ministry of Defense says.
Russian warship destruction
On the night of March 4-5, a special unit of the Defense Intelligence of Ukraine, Group 13, attacked the Black Sea Fleet Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov near the Kerch Strait. The attack by Magura V5 maritime drones damaged the ship's stern, starboard, and port sides.
According to the DIU, 27 crew members of the destroyed Russian ship Sergei Kotov were injured with varying degrees of severity. According to preliminary data, seven Russian sailors were killed.
