Ukraine has released striking new footage showcasing what it describes as its first successful underwater drone attack against a major Russian naval facility. The operation targeted the port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea and reportedly caused significant damage to a Kilo-class diesel-electric attack submarine belonging to Russia’s Black Sea Fleet.

The footage, published by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU), shows the deployment of so-called “Sea Baby” unmanned surface vehicles, a domestically developed system designed to carry explosive payloads and evade traditional naval defenses. At least one of the drones appears to strike its target, marking a notable escalation in Ukraine’s use of asymmetric naval warfare.

Novorossiysk is one of Russia’s most critical ports and has served as a fallback hub for the Black Sea Fleet amid repeated Ukrainian strikes on Crimea-based naval assets. Damage to a Kilo-class submarine — a platform widely used by Russia for patrols and cruise missile launches — represents a significant operational and symbolic blow to Moscow’s maritime capabilities in the region.

Ukrainian officials emphasized that the attack demonstrates their growing ability to project power far beyond the front lines, leveraging innovation and precision rather than conventional naval strength. The use of sea-based drones has increasingly altered the balance in the Black Sea, forcing Russia to disperse assets and reinforce ports once considered secure.

While Russian authorities have not publicly detailed the extent of the damage, analysts note that even temporary removal of a submarine from service can have outsized strategic consequences. The release of the footage itself signals Ukraine’s intent to showcase both capability and resolve as the conflict continues to evolve.