Ukrainian Naval Forces confirm sinking of Russian FSB border patrol vessel Izumrud near Novorossiysk.
Ukrainian naval personnel have sunk the Russian FSB border patrol vessel *Izumrud* using a Sargan-3000 unmanned naval system near Novorossiysk. The Ukrainian Naval Forces confirmed that members of the Russian crew were killed and wounded during the attack. The *Izumrud*, a second-rank vessel, was previously involved in the November 25, 2018, attack on Ukrainian Navy ships within the Kerch Strait. Sources indicate the vessel was launched in 2014 and was equipped with a helicopter landing pad. The destruction of the *Izumrud* is reported as part of continued Ukrainian efforts to reduce Russian military capabilities at sea. Ukrainian officials stated the incident occurred while the vessel was operating near Novorossiysk. The incident underscores ongoing maritime tensions between the two nations.