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Dramatic video appears to show a $65 million Russian Black Sea Fleet patrol ship being hit by Ukrainian drones overnight, sending clouds of debris into the air before sinking.
The Sergei Kotov, a large helicopter-carrying patrol ship, was destroyed off occupied Crimea overnight by Magura V5 drone ships. According to the Ukrainian Military Intelligence Agency.
Grainy black-and-white footage shared by the Ukrainian military on Tuesday showed the ship patrolling the waters and suddenly being hit at least twice before sliding below the surface.
“Another bad day for the Russian Black Sea Fleet” Defense of Ukraine He wrote alongside the video.
The Sergei Kotov – which is said to be capable of carrying cruise missiles and about 60 crew members – was struck near the Kerch Strait.
The strike damaged the ship's stern, starboard and port sides, according to Ukraine, which estimated the damage at at least $65 million.
Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletinchuk said in televised statements: “This ship is now at the bottom of the sea as a result of the fire caused by unmanned boats.”
Russian authorities did not confirm the report, which could not be independently verified.
The Magura V5 drones are manufactured in Ukraine and are packed with explosives.
While fighting continues along the 930-mile front line, Ukraine's success against Russian warships in the Black Sea has pushed the latter away from the coast and allowed Ukraine to create a grain export corridor.
Last month, Ukraine claimed to have sunk two more Russian warships with drones, including a missile-armed warship and a landing ship.
Russian officials have not confirmed these reports either.
With mail wires
