In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian drones executed a groundbreaking strike against Russian naval assets in the Black Sea early on June 24, 2025. Within a mere five minutes, Ukraine’s Defense Intelligence Directorate launched a meticulously planned three-layer UAV assault that obliterated a key Russian coastal defense network, significantly altering the balance of power in the region.

At precisely 4:10 a.m., as a TOR M2 air defense system struggled to come online, Ukrainian forces unleashed a sophisticated two-pronged attack. A decoy UAV drew the Russian radar’s attention, while a loitering munition stealthily approached from the blind spot, striking the TOR M2 and rendering it inoperable. The explosion sent debris scattering across the coastline, leaving Russian forces vulnerable and blind to incoming threats.

With the coastal defense compromised, Ukraine wasted no time. Just minutes later, two Russian Cernaclass landing crafts, carrying approximately 60 naval infantry, were targeted. As they navigated the waters near Crimea, Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels surged forward, each armed with explosive payloads designed to penetrate and destroy. The first USV struck with devastating precision, igniting a catastrophic fire that sank one vessel within seconds. The second USV followed suit, crippling the command capabilities of the remaining craft.

This unprecedented operation not only inflicted immediate damage but also forced Russia to reevaluate its coastal defense strategies, retreating its assets further inland. Ukraine’s capability to coordinate multi-layered UAV strikes has transformed the battlefield, demonstrating that Crimea is no longer a safe haven for Russian forces. The message is clear: every element of Russia’s military presence in the region is now vulnerable to swift and lethal attacks. As tensions escalate, the implications of this strike will resonate across the conflict, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing war.