In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Ukrainian forces deployed a Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drone to strike a Russian Cerna-class landing craft off the coast of Kersonen in the early hours of June 24, 2025. The attack, which occurred just after 4:00 AM local time, marked a pivotal moment in the war, revealing critical intelligence about Russia’s military intentions.
The TB2, operating at an altitude of 18,000 feet, tracked the Russian vessel for 27 minutes, exploiting radar gaps and maintaining a stealthy approach. As the drone’s operator monitored the thermal display, he identified the Cerna-class craft, packed with at least 30 troops, heading toward a beach where Ukrainian forces had previously reported suspicious activity. With the authorization to engage received at 4:15 AM, the operator prepared for a decisive strike.
Just moments before the missile launch, the drone experienced a brief technical glitch, raising tension in the control room. However, the operator swiftly recalibrated the systems, and at 4:47 AM, the missile was released. The precision strike hit the vessel amidships, resulting in a catastrophic explosion that not only destroyed the landing craft but also revealed the presence of specialized demolition charges onboard—indicating a sabotage mission rather than a routine troop deployment.
In the chaos that followed, Russian emergency communications surged, signaling a frantic retreat from the area. The two trailing vessels executed rapid turns toward Crimea, abandoning their mission in a clear indication of operational panic. This strike has not only disrupted Russian plans but has also dealt a significant blow to their special operations capabilities in the western Black Sea.
As the debris rained down into the sea, the implications of this operation were profound, with immediate strategic consequences for Russian military operations in the region. Ukrainian intelligence officers are already analyzing the footage, which has the potential to reshape the understanding of Russia’s plans in the ongoing conflict. The fallout from this strike is just beginning to unfold, and the world watches closely as the situation develops.