19:03 10-11-2025

Ukraine’s Hidden Drone Fleet Near Crimea Sparks Attack Fears

Ssu.gov.ua, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Reports claim Ukraine hid about ten unmanned boats near Crimea, ready for attacks on Russian coastal targets, as experts warn of rising Black Sea tensions.

Ukrainian forces are believed to have concealed a reserve of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) off the Crimean coast, according to information shared by the Arkhangel Spetsnaza Telegram channel.

The channel reported that roughly ten Ukrainian naval drones could currently be operating in the Black Sea. It also suggested that «more than a dozen» additional units are likely waiting for deployment, warning that the coming days «may bring intense developments.»

Military bloggers noted that four boats from this group had previously been destroyed while attempting to reach Tuapse.

Retired Navy Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin said the unmanned boats used in the November 10 attack on Tuapse might have been loaded with explosives. He added that Ukrainian forces continue to use such marine drones to strike coastal facilities, naval vessels, oil terminals, and ports.