Ukrainian intelligence has successfully expanded its maritime sabotage operations beyond the Black Sea to the Baltic Sea, targeting Russian naval assets.
Well Executed Sabotage
According to the Ukrainian Defense Ministry’s intelligence agency (GUR) and L'Independent, the latest operation has rendered the Russian minesweeper Alexander Obukhov inoperable.
This vessel is stationed in the coastal city of Baltyisk, located in Russia's Kaliningr ad exclave, between Poland and Lithuania.
The incident, described by GUR as a well-executed sabotage mission, reportedly caused "severe damage" to the Alexander Obukhov. Ukrainian officials indicated that a "mysterious hole" appeared in a gas conduit, leading to significant water infiltration in the ship's engine.
The M-503 engine aboard this minesweeper is said to be rare and of strategic importance, making this strike particularly impactful.
Neutralized One-Third of the Russian Fleet
The Alexander Obukhov is classified as a minesweeper of the Aleksandrit class, designed for the Russian Navy to locate and neutralize naval mines.
Launched in 2016, this vessel is equipped with advanced sonar systems, allowing it to detect underwater threats effectively. With a displacement of approximately 600 tons (around 1,320 pounds), it measures 61 meters (200 feet) in length and can reach speeds of up to 16 knots (about 18.4 mph).
The ship is also armed with a suite of weapons, including a 30mm naval gun and anti-mine equipment, making it a crucial asset for coastal defense operations.
In the Black Sea, Ukrainian forces have reportedly neutralized approximately one-third of the Russian fleet through various attacks involving drones and missiles.
