Ukraine Destroys Russian Tug Boat Used For Supporting Moscow’s Forces In Occupied Crimea

On June 6, 2024, Special Unit 9 of the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence (DI) reportedly carried out a successful strike on a Russian tugboat near the Crimean Coast.

The targeted vessel, Project 498, also known as Saturn or Proteus, was providing essential support to Russian forces in the temporarily occupied Crimea.

The attack, viewed as a major victory for Ukrainian forces, is the latest in the series of coordinated strikes to block supply routes into Crimea.

While the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense has confirmed the operation, details surrounding the targeted vessel remain unknown.

The Project 498 tugs, dating back to the Soviet era in the 1960s, are described as twin-crew harbor tugs with a weight of approximately 300 tons and a capacity of 46 tons.

These ice-classed vessels play an essential role in both mooring and material transfer.

They are equipped with firefighting capabilities and are essential in regional logistical support.

Sea drones on the hunt — Saturn tugboat at the bottom of the Black Sea.

On June 6, 2024, the special unit 9 of @DI_Ukraine successfully attacked the russian tugboat Project 498 (Saturn or Protey type) near the shores of the temporarily occupied Crimea. pic.twitter.com/s1pJ4dGjD6

— Defense of Ukraine (@DefenceU) June 6, 2024

Video Credits: Defense of Ukraine/Twitter

Although the destruction of a Project 498 tug may appear less significant than previous strikes on patrol boats and landing ships, analysts highlight its symbolic significance.

It demonstrates Ukraine’s growing capacity to get past Russian defenses and harm vital regional infrastructure.

Ukraine’s GUR military intelligence unit revealed that Russian forces had fortified critical targets, including ports with makeshift barriers made of old oil drums or ships.

In response, Ukraine deployed Kamikaze surface drones to breach these barriers.

The first drone reportedly caused a breach, allowing subsequent drones to enter the port and identify targets.

Russian officials have yet to respond to the purported incident, and they have denied prior reports of Ukrainian strikes.

The incident demonstrates the rising tension in the Black Sea region and Ukraine’s plan to challenge Russian dominance.

Reference: Defense of Ukraine

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