Ukrainian military intelligence operatives destroyed a Russian patrol boat in the Black Sea near the occupied Kherson region using a precision-guided missile, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate (HUR) reported on August 20.
The strike took place off the coast near the temporarily occupied resort town of Zaliznyi Port, Kherson region. According to HUR, an air-launched missile struck the vessel, killing all five Russian crew members on board.
“Thanks to laser targeting from a drone, our forces delivered a precise and devastating missile strike against an enemy vessel in the Black Sea. The same drone also captured the successful destruction of the Russian boat,” HUR said in its statement.
Footage released by Ukrainian intelligence shows a munition closing in on the Russian craft, followed by a powerful explosion.
According to the Ukrainian defense media Militarnyi, the video strongly suggests the strike was carried out by a Bayraktar TB2 combat drone, identifiable by its distinctive interface.
The operation underscores Ukraine’s continued use of advanced drones, precision weaponry, and intelligence coordination in its campaign to degrade Russia’s naval presence in the Black Sea.
Earlier, Ukrainian drone operators from the “Phoenix” unit destroyed a Russian BM-21 Grad multiple launch rocket system and a 2S1 Gvozdika self-propelled howitzer, while also damaging several other armored vehicles, including three tanks, a BMP-2, and an armored combat vehicle.
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