On November 6, 2024, Ukraine almost certainly targeted the Caspian port of Kaspiysk in russia with the UAV. The port highly likely hosted multiple russian Navy vessels at the time, with at least two likely Gepard class frigates sustaining damage. The extent of this damage is currently unknown however any damage to the vessels will highly likely be quickly repaired, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
The Caspian Flotilla was likely used to launch mass attacks against Ukraine in 2022 and has continued to be used to launch infrequent attacks through 2023-2024. Ukraine likely attacked the Caspian Flotilla in retaliation for these strikes on its territory. It is, however, unlikely that the russian vessels damaged in this strike had been used to launch direct strikes on Ukrainian territory.
Read more: russia Withdrew Nearly All Ships, Including Kalibr Missile Carriers, After Ukrainian Strike on Caspian Naval Base (Satellite Images)
Whilst the current operational tempo in the Black Sea remains low, the attack demonstrates that Ukraine retains the ability to strike russian targets in areas previously viewed as safe for operations. Prior to the strike, Ukrainian UAV highly likely traversed a large area of russian territory without being intercepted. This will highly likely cause concern to russian political and military leaders.
Read more: Ukrainian Drone Strike Reaches russia’s Caspian Naval Base, Why Is This Target Important
