Ukraine Destroys Russian Security Service Ship Near Putin-Linked Luxury Estate

Ukraine's navy announced the destruction of a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) reconnaissance ship, the Emerald, near the Black Sea resort city of Gelendzhik. The attack took place close to a luxurious estate allegedly linked to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he has denied owning. Ukrainian forces used at least one domestically developed Sargan 3000 unmanned naval vehicle to strike the approximately 60-meter vessel, which included a helicopter landing pad. Several crew members were killed or wounded in the attack.

The Emerald, operated by Russia's FSB rather than the military, has been involved in previous attacks on Ukrainian vessels, including an incident in the Kerch Strait in November 2018. The Kerch Strait separates Russia from the Crimean Peninsula, which Russia annexed in 2014. Gelendzhik is located less than 25 kilometers from the controversial estate, which was exposed in a 2021 investigation by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny. Navalny claimed the estate was built for Putin and funded by his close business associates, calling it "the world's biggest bribe." Putin has denied ownership, with businessman Arkady Rotenberg claiming to own the property. Navalny died in 2024 under suspicious circumstances, with his widow accusing Putin of poisoning him, allegations rejected by the Kremlin.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky praised the Gelendzhik strike and another attack on a Russian tanker involved in circumventing Western sanctions. He highlighted that the operation occurred approximately 435 kilometers from the frontline. This attack is part of a broader Ukrainian campaign using maritime drones to target Russian warships and infrastructure, including the Kerch Bridge and vessels in Sevastopol harbor. In recent days, Ukraine has reported daily strikes on dozens of Russian ships and tankers. On the night of the report, Ukraine claimed to have attacked 20 Russian ships, including 17 tankers.