4 /8
This is a major new development, #Russia was not known to have these types of drones, or to think in these terms
Even if the attack did limited damage (as reported) it is a major new threat for Ukraine
5 /8
The bridge is a strategic link between Ukraine and Moldova/Romania and has been targeted by Russia before, but with limited success
Previously in April 2022, missile strikes:
6 /8
A large number of small fast boats were active around Sevastopol earlier today. Many were likely guarding Russian warships used to launch Kalibr missiles on Ukraine from Ukrainian USVs.
If Russia is able to use these explosive drones against Ukrainian coastal targets, but Ukraine can no longer attack Russian warships in the same way, we may see another shift in the war in the Black Sea. This time in Russia's favor again.
9 /8
Afterthought: one scenario to watch for is Russia using them against merchant shipping going to Ukraine under the grain deal and then denying it and blaming Ukrainian drones and/or mines
Previous suspected Russian attack on merchant ship off Ukraine, Feb 2022:
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
#Ukrainian strike on #Russian Navy base at Sevastopol in Crimea appears to have damaged, possibly seriously (TBC), the submarine support ship Kommuna (ref ) hisutton.com/Russian-Navy-K…
Video
Kommuna gets a degree of sympathy because she is an ancient and beautiful ship, 112 years old(!).
But objectively she is a legitimate target and provides Russian navy with valuable capabilities. She often participates in submarine trials and can conduct seabed warfare
First images of Australia’s new 3D printed extra-large autonomous underwater vehicle (XLAUV), the Ghost Shark. 🧵
This is the previous graphic shared by manufacturer Andruil, when the deal for 3 vehicles was announced. See hisutton.com/Australian-Nav…
The design has a square cross-section which contrasts with the rounded form of the previous artworks. This maximizes volume for its given outer dimensions
Crucially, it can still likely fit inside a standard shipping container, an advantage over larger types like the Boeing Orca used by U.S. Navy
Thread 🧵
2 years ago today, Ukraine hit the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva with two Neptune missiles.
At the time it seemed like a spectacular event. But the real story of how Ukraine turned the situation in the Black Sea around was only beginning. #Moskvahisutton.com/Russian-Navy-M…
Reports that Transnistria (part of Moldova) may request annexation by Russia.
May trigger action from Moldova with #Ukraine help
#Russia realistically unable to intervene, in part because Ukraine has sunk so many of its landing ships in past 2 years
Thread 🧵
From
Mar 24 2022: Russian Navy Alligator class landing ship Saratov explodes while unloading at Berdyansk on Sea of Azov. Possibly hit by a Ukrainian ballistic missile. 2 Ropucha class landing ships manage to escape. hisutton.com/Timeline-2022-…
Aug 3-4: Russian Navy Ropucha Class landing ship Olenegorsky Gornyak struck by Ukrainian SBU maritime drone (USV) outside Novorossiysk. Significant damage. Towed to Novorossiysk. Subsequently repaired
Unconfirmed: #Ukrainian GUR maritime drones (USV) (likely Magura) attacked #Russian Ropucha landing ship Caesar Kunikov in (Цезар Куніков) near Crimea.
Firstly, if USNavy or Royal Navy deploy ships, I would expect only ‘defensive’ ships to be sent. Most likely coast guard and/or mine hunters. The reasons are obvious.