Ukraine‘s President Volodymyr Zelensky announced a significant military achievement as Ukraine’s domestic security service, the SBU, effectively disabled a Russian Kilo-class submarine at the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk using underwater drones. This tragic incident marks a turning point in the nature of the Ukraine-Russia war. It highlights Ukraine’s burgeoning military might set against the escalating rhetoric as war drums beat louder over imperialistic ambitions.
The strike’s impact on the submarine was devastating. In operations, it could only launch up to four Kalibr cruise missiles in a row at most, but now it’s critically damaged and rendered inoperable. This single submarine costs about $400 million. International sanctions swept in upon Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, making it much more difficult for the Russian Federation to replace it, as like vessels have skyrocketed in price to $500 million plus.
Russia did confirm the attack but attempted to minimize the attack’s significance, claiming no ships or submarines were damaged. “The enemy’s attempt to carry out sabotage using an unmanned underwater vehicle failed to achieve its goals,” stated Alexei Rulev, a Russian defense spokesperson.
Given this ratcheting up of forces, President Zelensky was clear that there should be no taboos in public discourse about Ukrainian lands. He expressed the importance of being “absolutely sure” about the security guarantees from allies before making strategic decisions concerning the front lines in any potential peace settlement with Russia.
Zelensky’s remarks come after a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and son-in-law Jared Kushner, where discussions focused on bolstering Ukraine’s defense capabilities. European leaders from Britain, France, Germany, Denmark, Finland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and representatives from the European Union stressed the necessity of robust security guarantees for Ukraine.
As a result, the leaders committed to create a new European-led but US-supported multinational force. This pilot program, described as providing “sustained and significant” military assistance to Ukraine, is a key piece of that effort. They pledged to jointly develop a U.S.-led mechanism for monitoring and verifying any ceasefire that emerged, with considerable international participation. This new mechanism is meant to ensure that Ukrainian forces have early warning of any such attacks that are in the works by Russian forces.
“It is important that they are no longer present in the new versions of the documents,” Zelensky remarked, highlighting his administration’s stance on ensuring that security measures are effectively implemented.
Zelensky indicated his belief that “the American side, acting as a mediator, will propose various steps to try to find at least some form of consensus.” He raised critical questions regarding the implementation of security guarantees: “That is really the basis for security guarantees, because the question is: Who will carry out the monitoring? What sanctions will be applied if the monitoring missions are disrupted?”
High profile figures in European politics joined Zelensky’s alarm. German politician Friedrich Merz went so far as to say they depend on U.S. offers. These commitments offer much needed material and legal assurances to support Ukraine’s counter offensive strategy. “What the U.S. has offered here in terms of material and legal guarantees is really significant,” he stated. Merz further added, “For the first time since the war began, a ceasefire now seems possible.”
As Ukraine forces pursue their demoralizing and destructive attacks on a retreating Russian army, events on the ground continue to develop quickly. The recent strike on the Russian submarine would have showcased Ukraine’s growing tactical sophistication and focus on striking deep behind enemy lines to help protect its own territorial integrity.
