Russian Drone Attack on Ukrainian Intelligence Ship Simferopol
On August 28, Russia expressed its ongoing interest in peace negotiations with Ukraine, yet simultaneously launched a massive attack involving 598 drones and 31 ballistic and cruise missiles. This assault resulted in at least 19 fatalities and numerous injuries, sending a clear message as it targeted significant locations, including the European Union mission in Kiev and the British Council office.
Keith Kellogg, the U.S. envoy for Ukraine and Russia, condemned these brutal attacks, stating they jeopardize peace efforts. French President Emmanuel Macron echoed this sentiment, highlighting that the targeting of the EU representation illustrates the diminishing scruples of the Russian regime, which has revealed its true nature once again.
The aftermath of this Russian offensive included the sinking of the Ukrainian intelligence ship Simferopol, a Lahouna-class vessel, located at the Danube River’s mouth. According to Moscow, the ship, weighing 1,200 tons, was struck by a surface drone, a relatively uncommon tactic for the Russian Black Sea fleet. This was corroborated by Dmytro Pletentchouk, spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy.
Сьогодні опівночі на річці Дунай російський морський дрон наніс удар по нашому кораблю Сімферополь.
Корабель отримав пробоїну і ліг на борт. На даний момент один загиблий моряк, частина команда зникла безвісті і проводиться їх пошук.
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Підписуйтеся на ЄвроМайдан. pic.twitter.com/iEClCLt9kf— 🇺🇦 ЄвроМайдан 🇪🇺 (@EuroMaydan) August 28, 2025
“We confirm the strike on the Simferopol ship,” stated a representative from the Ukrainian Navy, reporting at least one death and several injuries. While most crew members are reportedly safe, searches for missing military sailors are ongoing, suggesting the potential for a heavier toll.
Russian MoD video taken by an Inokhodets / Orion UCAV reportedly showing a naval drone strike on the Ukrainian Simferopol reconnaissance ship. Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk confirms that a ship was struck, killing a sailor. pic.twitter.com/nbsCpkEM3N
— Rob Lee (@RALee85) August 28, 2025
The Ukrainian Navy has faced significant challenges, having lost two-thirds of its vessels during the annexation of Crimea in March 2014. At the onset of the conflict, it could only deploy one frigate and around twenty smaller ships, including the Simferopol, which was commissioned in 2021. Despite these setbacks, the Ukrainian Navy has managed to inflict substantial losses on the Russian Black Sea fleet, notably sinking the cruiser Moskva in April 2022.
The Simferopol, crewed by 31 sailors, was equipped with the Melchior radio reconnaissance station and a 30mm AK-306 six-barrel rotary cannon.