Several russian Kremlin-backed media outlets, including RIA Novosti, claimed that Ukrainian forces used sea drones for an operation on a small Kleban-Bykske Reservoir in eastern Ukraine. The episode, according to russians, took place during the fighting for the Katerynivka settlement in the Donetsk region, and was originally reported by a motor rifle platoon commander.
This russian commander said he saw Ukrainians use unmanned surface vessels for cargo delivery and evacuation of wounded across the reservoir. Such instances were spotted from a quadcopter UAV loitering above that area.
Read more: Which russian Naval Drone Could've Struck Ukraine's Simferopol Ship and Potential Countermeasures
"You see a boat sailing, but there's no one inside; the boat is loaded," the officer stated. However, no actual footage from the said UAV was provided, nor any other evidence for that matter.
Yet, the possibility of uncrewed boats being adapted for such mundane tasks is real, at least in theory. This is a reminder of the long way the Ukrainian USVs have already gone from being relatively primitive suicide attack weapons to flexible and versatile platforms for a variety of missions. Modern models can launch FPV drones, transport cargo, and the most recent type can even carry grenade launchers and launch naval mines — it's being used in a unit deployed in southern Ukraine.
The new Barracuda naval drone, created by specialists from the 40th Marine Brigade, has entered the service of AFU.The drone's modular system allows it to be equipped with anti-tank grenade launchers or used for remote mining. pic.twitter.com/vs3GTuBkQS — MAKS 25 (@Maks_NAFO_FELLA) August 24, 2025
The technological and tactical race initiated by the development of naval drones is worth a separate mention. The russian invasion forces had tried many countermeasures to prevent Ukrainian USVs from achieving their objectives. From passive protection like boom barriers to anti-submarine helicopters and even creating their own uncrewed predator boats.
In turn, Ukrainian drones learned to equip anti-aircraft missiles to shoot down any threat from above and refined swarm attack tactics.
Read more: How Ukraine's First Magura USVs Were Built in 2022, and Why This Remained Under Wraps Until Now
