Image Credits: Al Jazeera
According to Ukrainian military sources, the last Russian patrol boat left Sevastopol, the main base of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, late yesterday. The move follows successful drone attacks targeting Russian naval assets and infrastructure in recent weeks.
Ukrainian officials confirmed the launch, describing it as a major victory in the strategic use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). “The withdrawal of the last Russian patrol boat from Crimea is proof of the effectiveness of our drone operations. We are taking back our territory step by step,” Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksiy Reznikov said.
Ukraine’s drone campaign was central to undermining Russian naval capabilities in the Black Sea. In recent months, Ukrainian forces have increased their use of drones to conduct surveillance and precision strikes against Russian targets. These actions not only caused significant damage to Russian ships but also disrupted their supply lines and logistics operations.
In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have managed to hit several Russian patrol boats and damage or sink several of them. These operations forced Russia to reconsider the deployment of its naval assets in the region, culminating in the withdrawal of the last patrol vessel from Crimea.
The withdrawal of Russian naval forces from Crimea has significant strategic implications for the ongoing conflict. This represents a shift in the balance of power in the Black Sea, giving Ukraine a potential advantage in securing maritime borders and cutting off Russian supply routes.
Military analysts believe the development could prompt Ukraine to further increase drone operations, possibly targeting other Russian territories and assets. “The effective use of drones by Ukrainian forces is a decisive factor in this conflict. It allows them to hit high-value targets with precision while minimizing risks for their personnel,” said military analyst Mykola Bielieskov.
The international community closely followed the development of the situation in Crimea. Western countries, particularly the United States and the European Union, have expressed support for Ukraine’s efforts to regain its territory and have provided significant military aid, including advanced drone technology.
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg praised Ukraine’s strategic success and stated: “The withdrawal of Russian naval forces from Crimea is an important achievement for Ukraine and a clear sign of their growing military capabilities. We continue to support Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty and territorial integrity.”
Despite this significant victory, the overall situation remains volatile. Russian forces still hold large areas of eastern Ukraine, and fighting continues on several fronts. Both sides have suffered heavy losses and the conflict does not seem to end anytime soon, emphasizing that the region is still an integral part of Russia. It is and will remain part of the Russian Federation, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.
The departure of the last Russian naval patrol boat from Crimea marks a turning point in relations between Ukraine and Russia, underscoring the effectiveness of Kiev’s drone campaign If this development continues, it could have far-reaching implications for the strategic landscape and wider geopolitical situation.