On Friday, explosions caused fires on two tankers, Kairos and Virat, in the Black Sea near Turkey’s Bosphorus strait. The Kairos, en route from Egypt to Russia, experienced an external impact, leading to a fire, and its 25 crew members were rescued. The Virat also reported an incident, with its 20 personnel reported in good condition. Both tankers are on a list of ships subject to sanctions against Russia, and the incidents sparked speculation about potential mine strikes.
Read More
Overnight, Ukrainian forces launched coordinated strikes against targets in southwestern Russia, including a key oil tanker loading terminal in Tuapse via kamikaze drones and robot boats. The attack resulted in explosions and fires within the port area, despite Russian claims of interception and minimal damage. Simultaneously, Ukrainian drones targeted railroad infrastructure in Rostov, prompting air travel disruptions and reports of damage, alongside an extensive drone campaign against Russian energy infrastructure. These attacks are part of a broader strategy aimed at disrupting Russian oil exports and retaliating for Russian attacks on Ukrainian civilian infrastructure, with a notable increase in strikes against power grids and heating plants.
Read More
The Ukrainian Navy successfully employed a suicide drone to strike an elite Russian special forces unit on the Sivash drilling rig in the Black Sea, which Russia had seized in 2014 and equipped with surveillance systems. Following the strike, Russian propagandists attempted to portray the incident as a victory, while the Ukrainian HUR destroyed Russian air defense facilities in occupied Crimea, including a S-400 Triumph air defense control point and radar systems. Espanyola, a Russian naval detachment formed in 2024 with ties to private military companies, was also operating in the area near the rigs. The Ukrainian military continues to carry out special operations in the area.
Read More
Ukraine is poised to join the Kardesa project, a major international initiative to construct a high-capacity undersea cable system across the Black Sea, connecting Ukraine with Bulgaria, Turkey, and Georgia. This project, spearheaded by Vodafone Group and Vodafone Ukraine with a budget exceeding $100 million, aims to bolster Ukraine’s digital sovereignty and internet resilience, providing fast and secure internet access while linking Europe and Asia. Scheduled to begin construction in 2027, the Kardesa system will add 500 Tbps of internet capacity, addressing the growing demands of 5G, artificial intelligence, and streaming services.
Read More
In a recent joint operation, the Ukrainian Navy and the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) destroyed a Russian ammunition depot in the Kinburn Spit area. This resulted in a powerful explosion and secondary detonations. The Kinburn Spit is a strategically important peninsula, and controlling it is crucial for Ukrainian logistics. The Ukrainian Navy stated these types of coordinated operations aim to disrupt Russian supply chains.
Read More
On Wednesday, Ukraine launched a significant attack on the Russian port city of Novorossiysk, utilizing unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and drones. The strikes resulted in casualties, with reports of at least two deaths and several injuries, including a child. Damage was reported to the Caspian Pipeline Consortium’s local office and various residential buildings and vehicles. The attacks reportedly began with USVs targeting the port, followed by drone strikes on the city center.
Read More
Ukrainian Military Intelligence (HUR) reported a successful drone strike on a high-value Russian Black Sea Fleet vessel near Novorossiysk, disabling a Project MPSV07 multipurpose support ship valued at $60 million. The attack targeted the ship’s bridge, destroying navigation and surveillance systems, forcing it out of service and requiring costly repairs. This strike occurred while the Russian vessel was conducting electronic reconnaissance and patrolling the approaches to Novorossiysk Bay. The attack is part of Ukraine’s intensified use of domestically produced drones, following other successful operations against Russian assets, including a strike on a Russian military tugboat in Sevastopol Bay.
Read More
On August 21, Ukraine’s military intelligence reported an attack on a Russian patrol boat near Zaliznyi Port in Kherson Oblast, resulting in the death of five crew members. The attack, which occurred on August 20, utilized a missile guided by a laser designator from a drone, according to HUR. While Ukrainian military officials have previously stated the use of laser technologies, these reports could not be independently verified. Zaliznyi Port, occupied by Russia in 2022, is located south of Kherson, and earlier this month, Ukrainian special forces destroyed Russian assets on the Tendra Spit, off the coast of the occupied area.
Read More
Ukraine destroys Russian radar hub in Black Sea raid, opening new front in coastal war, and it seems this is the latest chapter in a conflict that continues to surprise. The destruction of a strategically important radar hub is more than just a tactical victory; it’s a move that likely alters the landscape of the war, particularly along the Black Sea coastline. We’re talking about a potential shift in the dynamics of the conflict, potentially opening a new front where Ukraine can exert pressure. This is a clear indication that the war is far from over and that Ukraine is actively searching for new avenues to target Russian assets.… Continue reading
A French Mirage 2000 fighter jet executed a demonstration flight over the Black Sea, tracing the Ukrainian trident emblem in its flight path. This symbolic gesture, visible on flight tracking websites like Flightradar24, showcased international support for Ukraine. The Ukrainian Air Force highlighted the action’s significance, emphasizing its value beyond mere symbolism. The display publicly demonstrates the strategic partnership and solidarity between Ukraine and France.
Read More
John Q. Hosedrinker 
Matt Underwood