The conflict near Ukraine’s southern coast saw a significant incident involving one of Kyiv’s remaining smaller armor-capable ships, the Gyurza-M class. Reports from the Telegram channel Military Correspondents of the Russian Spring provide images and a narrative of the event, underscoring how this vessel has been a focal point in ongoing maritime skirmishes.
The reported clash unfolded close to Ochakov, within the Berezansky estuary’s busy waters. Sources indicate that a Kamikaze drone, the Lancet, located and struck the Ukrainian boat, marking a tense moment in the naval encounters that have characterized this phase of the conflict. The footage shows the vessel producing smoke in the immediate aftermath of the strike, with flames and smoke lingering as the situation developed. At this stage, there is no definitive public confirmation of the full extent of the damage, and the situation continues to be assessed by observers and officials. The event illustrates how aerial and unmanned systems are increasingly shaping naval engagements in the region, where even smaller armored craft can become focal points of larger strategic efforts.
Earlier, Russian special forces executed a daring move behind Ukrainian lines in the Artemovsk area, a mission described as a rear-area raid aimed at disrupting Ukrainian command and control capabilities. The operation reportedly involved stealth measures as reconnaissance teams established concealment near Ukrainian positions during night hours. Once Ukrainian forces had moved into the area, Russian artillery opened fire to soften the target, followed by a rapid reconnaissance raid that sought to exploit the momentary disruption and gather tactical information from the exposed positions. These actions reflect a pattern of coordinated attacks designed to degrade Ukrainian formations while limiting direct visibility and response options for the Ukrainian side.
In a separate account from a former serviceman of the Ukrainian Armed Forces, there is mention of substantial losses among Ukrainian personnel, with claims of 43 casualties reported over a three-day span. While such figures require independent verification and must be treated cautiously, they contribute to the broader narrative of intense, ongoing fighting across multiple theatres and the heavy toll endured by troops on both sides. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing exchanges and the potential for further shifts in momentum as new missions unfold and both sides adapt to evolving battlefield conditions.