Ukraine Claims "First Historic Battle" After Sinking Russian Naval Drone

Kyiv announced that a Ukrainian naval drone sank a Russian unmanned vessel, in what it described as the first engagement of its kind between two such uncrewed maritime vehicles. The Ukrainian Navy reported last Saturday that its reconnaissance detected a Russian drone vessel in an unspecified area of the Black Sea. The Navy detailed that following the detection, a Ukrainian naval drone was deployed. It then maneuvered close to the targeted Russian vessel and opened fire with a heavy machine gun, leading to its sinking. In a statement via Telegram, the Ukrainian Navy affirmed, "This is the first naval battle in history between unmanned vessels." A video was also released showing the firing and destruction of a small boat, though its identity could not be independently verified. Both Ukraine and Russia have developed naval drones in recent months for various purposes. These include explosive-laden vessels used to attack maritime targets, as well as naval drones equipped with weapons such as machine guns or missiles. Ukraine also states it operates vessels capable of carrying short-range drones to approach the Russian coast.