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

Ukraine's navy announced the destruction of a Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) patrol ship, the "Emerald," anchored in the Black Sea resort city of Gelendzhik. The attack took place near a lavish estate allegedly connected to Russian President Vladimir Putin, which he denies owning. Satellite images released by the Ukrainian navy show the ship broken in two, confirming its complete destruction. The vessel, approximately 60 meters long with a helicopter landing pad, was operated by the FSB rather than the Russian military and had previously participated in attacks on Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait in November 2018.

The Gelendzhik estate, located less than 25 kilometers from the attack site, was exposed in a 2021 investigation by the late Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who claimed it was built for Putin and funded by his close business associates. Navalny called it "the biggest bribe in the world." Putin has denied ownership, with businessman Arkady Rotenberg, a longtime ally, claiming to own the property. Navalny died in 2024 in a remote Arctic prison, 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 belonging to the so-called "shadow fleet," which transports oil and other cargo circumventing Western sanctions. Zelensky highlighted that the attack occurred approximately 435 kilometers from the frontline. This operation 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, with the latest overnight attack hitting 20 Russian vessels, including 17 tankers.