Ukraine's Unmanned Systems Forces (SBS) said it struck 12 vessels that Kyiv classifies as part of Russia's 'shadow fleet' between August 1 and 8 in the Black and Azov Seas.
The Ukrainian side claimed Russian forces tried to counter the attacks using an anti-aircraft missile and gun system. SBS published video that it said shows a Ukrainian drone evading three missiles fired at it.
According to SBS, since the start of Operation 'MoLoChKa' on July 6, Ukrainian drones have hit 218 vessels: 134 in the Azov Sea and 84 in the Black Sea.
The General Staff of the Ukrainian Armed Forces also reported an attack on a Russian military technical observation post located on the self-elevating drilling rig 'Sivash'. According to the Ukrainian General Staff, the rig is situated at the Golitsynskoye field, about 70 kilometers northwest of the Crimean coast, and is used by Russian forces to house surveillance equipment. Ukraine's Navy specified that the equipment on the rig was used to control strike drones, adjust strikes on southern Ukrainian cities, and track the movement of Ukrainian drones and unmanned boats.
The extent of damage to the 'Sivash' was not reported. Ukrainian military officials said the consequences of the strike are being assessed.
Russia's Defense Ministry, in turn, said it struck a dry cargo ship near Odesa that, according to the ministry, was transporting weapons for the Ukrainian army. There is no independent confirmation of these claims.