SOF shares details of the defeat of a Russian large landing ship and a submarine in Sevastopol

16 September, 2023 Destroyed Russian ships in Sevastopol. Comparison of photos The Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine have revealed how they helped to attack a large Russian landing ship and a submarine in the occupied Crimea.

A group of Ukrainian soldiers in the enemy's rear adjusted their fire and confirmed the hit. The Special Operations Forces claim to have received information from several sources about the possible location of the Minsk Project 775 Ropucha-class landing ship and the Rostov-on-Don diesel-electric submarine of the Russian Navy at a ship repair facility in the temporarily occupied Sevastopol. Then, the soldiers of the Special Operations Forces were engaged to identify targets, direct and adjust fire, as well as conduct reconnaissance.

The group reached a safe place by boat and moved to the shore using underwater delivery vehicles. After penetrating the shore of the occupied Crimea, the soldiers used special technical means to identify and hit the target.

A large-scale fire at the Sevastopol Shipyard in the name of Sergo Ordzhonikidze, September 13, 2023

Later, during the direct attack, the Special Operations Forces operators adjusted their fire and confirmed the destruction of targets. Afterwards, the SOF operators successfully returned to the territory controlled by Ukraine.

They also posted a video, presumably documenting the aftermath of the attack. As a reminder, the dry dock of the Sevastopol Shipyard was reportedly struck on the night of September 13, causing damage to the Russian landing ship Minsk and the submarine Rostov-on-Don.

The strike could have been carried out by French-British SCALP/Storm Shadow air-launched cruise missiles, which are in service with the Ukrainian Air Force. The large landing ship suffered serious punctures due to the strike and a large-scale fire.

It also got a significant hole in the port side in the superstructure area, which may mean a cruise missile hitting at an angle directly into the engine room.

Destroyed Russian ships in Sevastopol.

Comparison of photos

The extent of the damage to the Rostov-on-Don submarine is not known for certain; satellite images show a hole in the bow and damage to the exterior of the vessel as a result of the fire.

This submarine is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles and is part of the 4th Independent Submarine Brigade of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.