UK intelligence assesses impact following destruction of Russian Ivanovets missile boat

The UK Ministry of Defense shared the information in its report.

Open-source videos from multiple perspectives indicate that surface drones, employing swarm tactics, successfully targeted the ship. The resulting massive explosion likely led to the sinking of the vessel.

British intelligence reports suggest that Ivanovets was patrolling the western coast of Crimea, supporting Russia's occupation of Ukraine. Its advanced communication system facilitated the exchange of target data with other ships, helicopters, and long-range patrol aircraft.

Analysts highlight that this recent Ukrainian success underscores the ongoing vulnerability of Russian warships in the Black Sea.

"It will highly likely have an impact on the Black Sea Fleet's command and control elements, probably forcing them to re-evaluate their maneuverability near western Crimea. However, the Russian Navy is almost certainly still able to conduct its three main tasks in the Black Sea: long-range strike, patrol, and support," emphasized the Ministry of Defense.

Destruction of the Russian Ivanovets boat

In the early hours of January 31 to February 1, the Russian Black Sea Fleet's missile boat, Ivanovets, was successfully neutralized. 

The estimated value of the lost ship, belonging to the aggressor state, is approximately $60-70 million.

Highlighting the potential impact, the Ukrainian Navy noted that with a regular crew of 40 sailors, the reduction of the Russian naval fleet could have substantial consequences.

On February 3, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy of Ukraine commended the achievements of Ukrainian scouts, honoring the fighters who destroyed the Ivanovets boat with drones.