13:59 01-12-2025

Ukrainian UAV Strikes via Caspian Sea: Expert Warns of Risks

Zеlеnskiу / Оfficiаl / Telegram

Russian expert Popov argues Kyiv may launch UAV strikes on Dagestan from the Caspian Sea under civilian cover, aiming to raise regional tensions and target civilians.

Russian military expert and honored test pilot Major General Vladimir Popov suggested that Ukrainian forces may have used the Caspian Sea to stage strikes on Dagestan while disguising their activity as ordinary fishing or tourist outings. Speaking to NEWS.ru, he noted that such operations often involve foreign specialists seeking to maximize their own tactical advantage.

The comments followed reports from Kaspiysk, where a drone attack injured a 12-year-old girl. According to the Dagestan Health Ministry, the child sustained injuries as a result of the strike.

Popov explained that drones can be launched from vessels operating in the Caspian under civilian cover. In his assessment, medium-range UAVs can be pre-programmed and controlled both from offshore platforms and from positions 10–30 kilometers inland. He argued that the objective of such attacks is to heighten regional tension, acknowledging that Kyiv understands strikes on military sites would have limited impact.

While certain Russian military units are stationed in Kaspiysk, Popov stated that Ukrainian forces were unlikely to target them directly. He pointed to electronic warfare systems, surveillance assets, and regular airspace patrols protecting these facilities, making direct attacks ineffective for the Ukrainian side.

He added that strikes on civilian areas-residential neighborhoods, schools, hospitals and similar locations-create the greatest disruption. According to Popov, this is a calculated tactic aimed at stirring fear and forcing local authorities to explain such incidents to the population.