(KERCH STRAIT, BLACK SEA REGION) – Ukrainian forces have struck two ferries used by Russian forces to transport military equipment to occupied Crimea, according to reports and images released following the attack.
The ferries Slavyanin and Avangard were hit by Ukrainian attack drones while operating in the Kerch Strait, a key maritime route used by Russian forces to move supplies between Russia and the occupied peninsula.
Video commentary accompanying the images said Ukraine carried out the strike recently using attack drones targeting the two vessels.
The ferries are not standard passenger vessels but have been used by Russian forces to transport heavy equipment and military supplies across the Kerch Strait.
Images released after the incident show fires on both vessels following the drone strikes.
Ukraine has not released video footage of the attack but has published photographs showing the damage.
The images indicate that the vessels were struck by aerial attack drones rather than maritime drones.
Analysts reviewing the images suggested the drones used in the attack may have been FP series strike drones.
There has been no official confirmation whether the ferries were sunk.
Photographs show fires burning around the bridge and superstructure areas of the ships.
The strikes appear not to have targeted the hulls or the waterline of the vessels.
As a result the ferries are believed to have suffered damage that may put them out of service until repairs are completed.
One photograph also shows a rescue tug positioned near one of the burning ferries, apparently assisting following the strike.
There has been speculation that the tug could have been a possible target because such vessels are specialised and important for maritime operations.
However Ukrainian officials did not report any strike against the tug.
Reports indicated that Ukrainian forces focused on the ferries themselves.
The ferries are considered significant targets because they are used by Russian forces to transport equipment and supplies to Crimea.
Russia is believed to operate only three or four ferries in the area.
Some of these vessels have previously been attacked by Ukrainian weapons including ATACMS missiles, drones and Neptune anti ship missiles.
One vessel, the Conro Trader, was previously destroyed by a Ukrainian Neptune missile strike.
The ferries Slavyanin and Avangard have also been targeted before.
Both vessels were struck in 2024, with Slavyanin reportedly hit by a Neptune missile at that time.
Russian forces later repaired the damage and returned the ferries to service.
The latest strike marks another attempt by Ukrainian forces to disrupt Russian military logistics supporting operations in occupied Crimea.
Because the latest attack involved drones rather than heavier missiles, the damage may be less severe.
However the vessels could remain out of operation while repairs are carried out.
The exact location of the strike has not been confirmed.
The ferries typically operate in waters around the Kerch Bridge in the Kerch Strait.
