Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (GUR) has reported successful strikes against two major Russian Black Sea Fleet landing ships in the bay of Sevastopol. The operation, carried out by special forces using kamikaze drones between the night of April 18 and 19, targeted the “Yamal” and the “Nikolai Filchenkov.”
High-Value Naval Targets
The GUR estimates the “Yamal,” a Project 775 landing ship built in 1988, at a value of $80 million. This 112-meter vessel is capable of transporting 500 tons of cargo and armored vehicles, and is armed with a “Grad-M” multiple launch rocket system and “Strela-2” anti-aircraft missiles.
As well targeted was the “Nikolai Filchenkov,” a Project 1171 vessel from 1975 with a 1,000-ton lifting capacity, valued at $70 million. Ukrainian intelligence emphasized that both ships have been actively used by Russia in the ongoing war against Ukraine.
Beyond the ships, the operation resulted in the destruction of a “Podlet-K1” radar station, which the GUR values at $5 million.
Overlapping Claims and Regional Tension
The Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) also claimed to have hit the “Yamal,” though they reported their attack occurred during the day on April 18. According to the SBU, that specific strike also hit the landing ship “Azov,” the anti-diversion boat “Grachonok,” and a “Delfin” communication system antenna block.
Simultaneously, the Russian-appointed governor of Sevastopol reported that a downed drone caused a fuel tank fire at an oil depot in Kazachya Bay on the night of April 18. While an air raid alert was issued in the city that evening, official reports on the consequences of that specific alert were not released.
A Pattern of Attrition
These events follow a series of attacks on the Russian fleet in April. On the night of April 6, the GUR struck the frigate “Admiral Makarov” in Novorossiysk, an attack later corroborated by pro-war Telegram channels.
The “Admiral Makarov” is one of only three Project 11356R “Burevestnik” frigates in the Russian Navy, capable of launching “Kalibr” cruise missiles. A sister ship of the same project, the “Admiral Essen,” was previously damaged during an attack in Novorossiysk on March 2.
The “Admiral Makarov” held particular significance; in May 2022, a TASS source indicated the ship could become the new flagship of the Black Sea Fleet following the sinking of the cruiser “Moskva” in April 2022.
Potential Future Developments
Given the current trend, Russia may be forced to relocate its remaining high-value assets further from the coast to avoid drone strikes. This could potentially limit the fleet’s ability to conduct rapid amphibious deployments or provide close-shore missile support.
continued losses of “Burevestnik” class frigates could result in a diminished capacity for Russia to launch “Kalibr” missiles from the Black Sea region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Russian ships were targeted in the Sevastopol bay operation?
The GUR reported strikes on the large landing ships “Yamal” and “Nikolai Filchenkov.” the SBU claimed hits on the “Yamal,” the “Azov,” and the anti-diversion boat “Grachonok.”
What is the strategic importance of the “Admiral Makarov” frigate?
It is one of only three “Burevestnik” project frigates in the Russian Navy and is capable of carrying “Kalibr” cruise missiles. It was also considered a potential replacement for the “Moskva” as the fleet’s flagship.
What non-ship targets were hit during these operations?
A “Podlet-K1” radar station valued at $5 million was destroyed, and a fuel tank at an oil depot in Kazachya Bay caught fire due to a downed drone.
How might the loss of large landing ships impact the logistics of naval operations in the Black Sea?
