Kyiv, Feb 6 (EFE).- Ukraine said on Tuesday that it has destroyed a Russian drilling platform in the Black Sea, near Crimea, which Russian forces had used to bolster drone operations against Ukraine and monitor navigation in certain parts of the Black Sea.
The operation, dubbed “Citadel,” was executed overnight, during which the Russian radar system known as “Neva-B” and the drone signal-enhancing apparatus were “successfully” destroyed, Ukraine’s Special Operations Forces said in a statement.
The operation was conducted by a group from the 73rd Marine Center of the Special Operations Service (SSO), who reached the platform by boats.
“After carrying out special maneuvers and securing the area, the target was rigged with explosives and the combat group retreated to a safe distance and detonated the enemy target,” the military said.
“As a result, important enemy equipment was captured, and a mast with an antenna was blown up.”
The statement revealed that the Russian military utilized the platform to extend the signal range and enhance the operational capabilities of Iranian drones deployed in the conflict against Ukraine.
It noted that Russian forces have increasingly relied on Iranian-made drones for reconnaissance missions and subsequent strikes on “critical infrastructure” in southern Ukraine.
Moreover, the Russian military had installed a “Neva-B” radar station on the platform to monitor activity in the northwestern part of the Black Sea, including the detection of motorboats and ships.
“The successful… operation ensured safer navigation for ships and limited the enemy’s capabilities in the northwestern part of the Black Sea,” the Ukrainian military added. EFE
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