Russian Vessel and Military Systems Hit in Coordinated Attack
On June 4, 2026, Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems Forces struck a Project 10410 Svetlyak-class border patrol boat belonging to Russia’s FSB in the Sea of Azov. In the same operation, they also destroyed a Pantsir-S1 air defense missile and gun system, an RSBN-4N navigation radar station, and multiple enemy logistics facilities. These missions were carried out in coordination with the Center for Deep Strikes under the SBU Special Operations Unit.
The vessel was hit near the settlement of Yurkine while traveling at full speed along the coastline, taking a direct strike to its stern. Russia uses Svetlyak-class ships to guard the Crimean coast, patrol the Sea of Azov and the Kerch Strait, and counter amphibious sabotage groups. Following the 2014 occupation of Crimea and the 2022 blockade of Mariupol, Moscow viewed the Sea of Azov as fully under its control. However, according to InformNapalm,
“another strike on a ship in this area completely shatters that illusion.”
As part of the overall operation, the 1st Separate Center struck the Svetlyak boat and the RSBN-4N system. Meanwhile, in the Kherson region, the same unit eliminated a Pantsir-S1 system, while operators from the 413th Raid Regiment targeted military logistics locomotives in Crimea. Additionally, the 20th Separate Brigade K-2, together with the 1st Separate Center, destroyed transformers and fuel-lubricant storage tanks.
Growing Effectiveness of Ukraine’s Unmanned Systems
These events highlight that Russia’s FSB Border Service is losing control over the maritime perimeter of the temporarily occupied peninsula, as Svetlyak-class vessels have previously been hit in the Black Sea and even the Caspian Sea. Svetlyak ships carry artillery and Igla surface-to-air missile systems for various maritime missions. This incident underscores the increasing effectiveness of Ukraine’s unmanned systems in operations against Russian military forces.
The destruction of a Russian warship and military assets in the Sea of Azov marks a significant step in reducing Russia’s military presence in the region. It also demonstrates the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ ability to conduct successful strikes against Russian forces, which could shift the strategic balance in these waters. The day’s events highlight a changing dynamic in the conflict and open the door for further attacks on Russian military targets across different parts of the region.
As Ukraine's drone operations continue to disrupt Russian maritime control, recent strikes have also targeted key military assets in Crimea. For a deeper understanding of the escalating effectiveness of Ukraine’s unmanned systems and their impact on Russian forces, see our detailed report on how Ukrainian drones have recently targeted both a Svetlyak warship and Pantsir system.