KYIV, Ukraine (FN) Ukraine said Wednesday it carried out a daring strike on a Russian submarine at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, escalating a conflict already marked by heavy bombardment and mounting casualties. The attack, which officials in Kyiv said was conducted with underwater drones, marked the first known strike of its kind against a Russian submarine since the war began.
Russia denied the vessel was damaged, calling the incident an attempted act of sabotage. But video released by Ukrainian authorities showed a powerful explosion near the dock, raising questions about Moscow’s claims. Independent analysts said the strike underscored Ukraine’s ability to hit Russian assets far from the front lines.
The attack came as Russia intensified its bombardment of Ukrainian cities, unleashing waves of missiles and drones that killed and injured dozens of civilians in the Dnipropetrovsk region and elsewhere. Hospitals reported being overwhelmed, and widespread power outages left thousands without heat in freezing winter conditions.
Novorossiysk has grown in importance for Russia’s navy after repeated Ukrainian strikes on Sevastopol in occupied Crimea. Damaging a submarine there could limit Russia’s ability to launch missile attacks from the sea, military experts said. Ukraine’s use of “Sub Sea Baby” drones highlighted its reliance on innovative technology to offset Russia’s larger arsenal.
Ukraine’s military claimed Russia lost more than 1,000 soldiers in recent fighting, along with tanks and artillery systems. The submarine strike added to those losses, bolstering Kyiv’s narrative of resilience against a better‑equipped adversary.
International reaction was swift. Belarusian President Aleksandr Lukashenko warned the war risked spiraling into a global conflict if peace efforts failed, urging immediate negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has ruled out a ceasefire by Christmas, insisting Russia must withdraw before talks can begin.
Western allies praised Ukraine’s boldness but urged caution to avoid further escalation. Analysts said disabling a submarine would be a symbolic victory, but warned that Russia could retaliate with even heavier strikes.
For civilians, the toll continues to mount. Families in eastern Ukraine huddled in basements as air raid sirens wailed, while rescue crews searched for survivors in the rubble of apartment buildings. Officials said the humanitarian situation was worsening by the day.
The war shows no sign of slowing. With Russia pounding cities and Ukraine striking back at strategic targets, both sides appear determined to press forward, raising fears of a prolonged and increasingly dangerous conflict.
