A Russian radio operator known by the callsign Goga sabotaged the missile corvette Serpuchov, preventing the vessel from carrying out military tasks and launching strikes against Ukraine, according to an interview with Sky News.
Sabotage Aboard the Missile Corvette Serpuchov
Goga served as a radio operator on the Russian naval corvette Serpuchov, which is stationed in the Kaliningrad region and capable of launching Kalibr and Zircon cruise missiles in any direction. According to his statements to Sky News, he opposed Russia’s large-scale invasion from the very beginning, stating, “I was the only person on the ship who didn’t support the war.” Raised in Kaliningrad in an officer’s family, Goga initially tried to convince fellow sailors that the invasion was illegal. Military prosecutors noticed these actions and issued him an official warning.
The sailor later attempted to leave the Russian Navy through official regulations, but his request for discharge was denied. “Having exhausted all possible legal opportunities to leave the army, I no longer knew what to do or how to achieve my discharge from service,” he said. His situation worsened amid rumors that several Russian ships might soon deploy for operations tied to the war against Ukraine. Determined not to participate in attacks against Ukrainians, he contacted the Freedom of Russia Legion, a formation primarily composed of Russian citizens fighting against Moscow’s forces.
Following a lengthy vetting process, a plan was established for him to conduct sabotage aboard the Serpuchov and escape. Goga continued serving on the vessel for a time while gradually gathering secret military documents and dragging gasoline canisters aboard. “I started carrying fuel into the communications room and pouring it onto the equipment,” he admitted. Before starting the fire, he collected and took the classified documents with him. He then set a timer for the fire, left the corvette with the documents under his arm, and took a taxi toward the Lithuanian border.
Did You Know? The radio operator managed to smuggle gasoline canisters into the Serpuchov’s communications room, pouring fuel directly onto the ship’s vital electronic equipment before setting a timer for the blaze.
Operational Impact and Defection to Ukraine
The resulting fire spread through the ship’s communications department, damaging crucial electronic equipment and rendering the Serpuchov unable to perform its duties for several months. According to the reporting, the damage was massive, temporarily halting Russia’s ability to use the corvette to launch cruise missiles at Ukraine. Goga successfully reached Ukraine and joined the Freedom of Russia Legion. He stated that he wants to see Russia freed from the person who has ruled it for more than two decades, adding, “Simply put: destroy the whole system and rebuild it.”
Regarding Russian leadership, the sailor stated, “And as for Putin—I wouldn’t want him to die. You will die.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What ship was involved in the sabotage?
The sabotage took place on the Russian missile corvette Serpuchov, which is stationed in the Kaliningrad region.
Who carried out the operation?
A radio operator using the callsign Goga carried out the sabotage before defecting to Ukraine and joining the Freedom of Russia Legion.
What damage did the incident cause?
The fire destroyed vital electronic equipment in the ship’s communications room, keeping the Serpuchov out of service for several months and preventing it from launching cruise missiles at Ukraine.