In a landmark moment for naval warfare, Ukraine has successfully struck and disabled a key Russian submarine using an underwater drone. The unprecedented attack targeted the Russian Black Sea Fleet's crucial base at Novorossiysk on Monday, 15 December 2025.
A Historic Strike in the Black Sea
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) claimed responsibility for the operation, which was carried out by its specialised "Sub Sea Baby" drones. The target was a Russian Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarine, one of the fleet's most capable vessels. Alexander Kamyshin, an advisor to President Volodymyr Zelensky, declared this the first time in history an underwater drone has neutralised a submarine.
Footage verified by Reuters and released by the SBU showed a substantial explosion erupting from the water near a pier where the submarine was docked. The port of Novorossiysk has become a vital sanctuary for the Russian navy, with many vessels relocated there from Crimea to escape Ukrainian attacks.
Significant Strategic Implications
The disabled submarine is a significant loss for Russia's Black Sea capabilities. Ukrainian navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that Russia has now lost one of its four submarines stationed at Novorossiysk, three of which are carriers of Kalibr cruise missiles. The struck vessel could carry at least four of these missiles, which Russia has repeatedly used in devastating attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure.
Pletenchuk described the operation, which hit "the most difficult target," as marking "another turning point" in the naval conflict. "This day once again upends the perception of the possibilities of naval combat in this war," he told Reuters. He added that repairs would be highly challenging for Russia, as they would require the submarine to be brought above water, leaving it vulnerable to further attacks.
Context of Escalating Strikes and Diplomacy
This bold strike occurs against a tense backdrop of U.S.-brokered peace talks, which have raised concerns in Kyiv about potential pressure to accept unfavourable terms. Ukraine has been keen to demonstrate its capacity to inflict serious damage on Russian military assets, a stance underscored following remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump questioning Ukraine's negotiating position.
Despite having virtually no traditional navy remaining, Ukraine has ingeniously used sea drones and missiles to harass the much larger Russian Black Sea Fleet, successfully pushing it from its primary base in Sevastopol, Crimea. The nation has been intensifying strikes on Russian oil, gas, power, and military targets while developing long-range capabilities to counter Russia's arsenal.
As of Monday, Russia had not issued any public comment regarding the attack on its submarine in Novorossiysk.
