Ukraine War15 December, 20252 min read
Ukraine Destroys Russian Submarine in Novorossiysk Port With Underwater Drones
This article is an automated aggregation of coverage from news outlets. Our editorials offer in-depth analysis curated by the NewsCord team.
Ukrainian SBU used 'Sub Sea Baby' underwater drones to detonate a submarine in Novorossiysk port The struck vessel was a Project 636.3 Varshavyanka (Kilo-class) Russian submarine
5 outlets told this the same way.
Naval drone strike claim
On 15 December 2025, Ukraine’s Security Service (SBU) released footage it says shows multiple underwater "Sea Baby"/"Sub Sea Baby" drones striking a Russian Project 636.3 (Varshavyanka/Kilo-class) diesel-electric submarine in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. The footage allegedly shows a large plume of water and debris and, according to Kyiv, put the vessel out of action while it carried four Kalibr cruise-missile launchers. The SBU and Ukrainian navy described the operation as unprecedented, and Ukrainian outlets framed it as the first recorded case of a submarine being taken out by a naval drone, with the claims reported alongside the released footage.
“Footage released by Ukraine’s security service (SBU) on 15 December 2025 appears to show multiple ‘Sea Baby’ marine drones striking a Kilo‑class (Class 636.3 ‘Varshavyanka’) diesel‑electric attack submarine in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, producing a large plume of water and debris; the SBU said the vessel was put out of action and was carrying four Kalibr cruise missiles.”
Drone and submarine reports
The Daily Mail provides specifications for the Ukrainian 'Sea Baby' drones, reporting roughly 1,900 pounds of explosives, speeds of about 60 mph, a range of at least 600 miles, and an approximate cost of £180,000. RBC-Ukraine and PravdaReport focus more on the submarine's characteristics and estimate its value at roughly $400-500 million. Sources agree the target was a Varshavyanka/Kilo-class diesel-electric submarine noted for low noise and coastal roles, but different outlets emphasize different technical elements.
Framing of strike reports
Ukrainian outlets frame the strike as a tactical success with strategic implications. Kyiv presented the strike as a blow to Russia's Black Sea long-range strike capability by targeting a platform reportedly carrying Kalibr missiles. Local reporting emphasized the SBU's operational unit and coordination with the navy.
“Ukraine described the joint SBU–navy operation as the first recorded instance of a submarine being taken out by a naval drone.”
PravdaReport echoes Kyiv's framing but stresses the contested status and says the material setback would only be confirmed if Kyiv's account is verified. The sources therefore differ in certainty and emphasis when assessing impact.
Verification and denials
All three sources underline that there is no independent verification of the claims. Daily Mail explicitly notes the claims come from Ukrainian sources and were not independently verified in the article. PravdaReport cites Russian state outlet Zvezda reporting the Black Sea Fleet said the sabotage "did not achieve its objectives".
RBC-Ukraine focuses on the SBU's claim without independent corroboration. Because the accounts conflict, the outcome remains ambiguous until independent confirmation is available.
