Ukraine Targets Russia's New Black Sea Flagship in Major Drone Strike

Ukraine has launched a major drone attack on Russia's Black Sea Fleet. The target was the fleet's new flagship, the *Admiral Makarov*, according to Ukrainian military sources. The strike represents a significant escalation. Ukraine is now using more powerful naval drones to attack Russian warships far from its coast. This strategy aims to push the Russian fleet away from Ukrainian shores. A successful hit on the *Admiral Makarov* would be a severe symbolic and military blow to Russia. This frigate became the fleet's flagship after Ukraine sank the previous one, the *Moskva*, in 2022. Russia's defense ministry has not confirmed the attack. It stated only that it destroyed several Ukrainian drones over the Black Sea. Satellite images and unofficial reports suggest a Russian warship was damaged. Military experts say Ukraine's goal is clear: to neutralize the Black Sea Fleet. This would secure Ukraine's own grain exports and challenge Russian control of the vital waterway.