THIS is the stunning moment Ukraine’s Sea Baby drones strike 12 vessels from Russia’s shadow fleet in the latest blow to Vladimir Putin.
It comes as a spiralling fuel crisis continues to strangle the regime amid Kyiv’s “endgame” the war.
A Sea Baby drone seen darting towards a Russian shadow fleet tanker Credit: Security Service of Ukraine
The drone dodged enemy fire on its way to the target Credit: Security Service of Ukraine
In the stunning first-person-view footage, Ukraine’s in the Sea of Azov, off the coast of Crimea.
One is seen racing quickly towards a huge ship just above sea level, before smashing into its stern.
Shots were seen splattering across the face of the water as the drone dodged a series of bullets before making a beeline for the boat.
Ukraine’s security services (SBU) said: “Sea Baby struck the stern of the tanker, as a result of which the latter suffered significant damage.
The drone made its way rapidly to the Russia target Credit: Security Service of Ukraine
Russia is continuing to strike Ukrainian civilian infrastructure Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
“Enemy aircraft tried to work against the SBU naval drone, but to no avail.”
At least 12 vessels from Putin’s shadow fleet – sanction-dodging ships that transport Russian oil – were struck, while one tugboat and one dry loader were also hit.
The strikes were part of Ukraine’s recent push to isolate Russian-occupied Crimea – where fuel rationing has gotten so bad that authorities are banning sales.
The peninsula, which was annexed by Russia in 2014, has seen an intense campaign of strikes aimed at energy infrastructure over recent weeks.
Ukraine has been targeting Crimea to isolate it, pictured on June 22 Credit: Reuters
Ukraine has been launching strikes on Crimea Credit: East2West
The Sea of Azov, just south of Crimea, is a major supply route for Russian forces stationed in the region and occupied parts of southern Ukraine.
Kyiv said 35 Russian vessels in total were struck within 96 hours in the Sea of Azov in the latest salvo.
It comes amid Kyiv’s drone onslaught targeted at Putin’s energy facilities which have left as the regime grapples with a fuel crisis.
Hilarious footage from the that he can’t meet Putin in Moscow due to the risk of Kyiv’s drones.
Ukraine has also made significant inroads in the aerial duel with a series of successful drone attacks deep within in recent weeks.
Strikes have targeted key oil terminals – thousands of miles from the frontline, not only in Crimea but also and .
The renewed campaign has forced Putin to grapple with a deepening crisis.
As a result, the Kremlin was forced to implement fuel rationing measures in late May.
Trump acknowledged these successes in Ankara, saying Zelensky had done an “amazing job”, before adding: “he’s been very effective, and he’s had the best equipment because he’s had our equipment.”
The US will also hand over the blueprint to build state-of-the-art Patriot missiles after declared the “” will be decisive to .
is desperate to bolster its rapidly-depleting stockpile of interceptors amid a slew of deadly ballistic missile attacks on Kyiv.
Zelensky has conceded that Putin’s last-remaining competitive edge is his air arsenal, and has pleaded for more air defence systems.
Speaking at ‘s summit in Ankara, Trump told the Ukrainian leader: “We are gonna give you a licence to make Patriots, that’s pretty cool.”
The cutting-edge interceptor missiles are regarded as one of the world’s best air defence systems.
It is also one of the most expensive, with a single battery of missiles costing around $1billion (£740m).
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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