(KYIV, UKRAINE) – Ukrainian forces have carried out a series of military strikes against Russian targets, including a rare attack on a Russian submarine, as the wider conflict enters another intense phase. The strikes come amid continued ground fighting and diplomatic debates over financial support for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) reported that a subsea drone strike hit a Russian Kilo class submarine in port at Novoross. This type of submarine can carry cruise missiles with the ability to strike deep inside Ukraine, making it a high value target. Estimates place the value of such a vessel between US 200 million and US 400 million. The attack forced the Russian Black Sea fleet further into the eastern part of the Black Sea and has restricted its operational activity from more exposed areas.
Following the submarine strike, Russia reportedly sank three barges at the entrance to its naval base to limit further submarine drone access. Russian forces also appear to have deployed surface barriers to protect against other types of unmanned threats.
In addition to the submarine incident, Ukraine has conducted strikes on Russian military infrastructure and logistics. Ukrainian authorities reported damage to three radar systems in occupied Crimea, a medium range air defence system, and a Russian MiG 31 fighter jet on the ground. Separate drone and missile attacks targeted an oil tanker, a fuel train, and the Slavyansk oil refinery. These actions contributed to a marked drop in the price of Russian crude oil from the Novoross region to around US 38 per barrel amid supply uncertainty.
On the ground, Ukrainian troops have also made tactical gains. In the northeast near Kupyansk in Kharkiv region, Ukrainian forces have pushed back Russian units and reportedly encircled some elements of the invading troops. Ukrainian officials described these advances as meaningful in the context of ongoing operations, even as fighting in other sectors of the front remains contested.
Meanwhile, Russia continues its offensive with reported overnight air and missile strikes. Ukrainian authorities said around 1 000 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles were used in recent attacks, though roughly half of these came in one night. Images circulated showed some Russian drones being intercepted, while others hit civilian areas without causing major explosions.
On the diplomatic front, Russian dictator Vladimir Putin criticised European supporters of Ukraine in a meeting with his defence council, using inflammatory language and indicating no willingness to make significant concessions. Putin reiterated that Russia’s initial objectives in the conflict would eventually be achieved, a stance seen by Western capitals as evidence of Russia’s reluctance to negotiate in good faith.
Leaders from Ukraine’s allies continue to debate the use of frozen Russian state assets in Europe as financial support for Ukraine. Proposals include using around 210 billion euros of these assets as collateral for loans to sustain Ukraine’s defence efforts through 2026 and 2027. Some European states support this measure, while others have expressed concern about potential legal challenges from Russia.
European and North American officials maintain that financial assistance and diplomatic pressure remain key tools for supporting Ukraine’s defence and encouraging Russia to engage seriously in talks to end the war.
