The Ukrainian Navy struck the Russian garrison on the Sivash drilling platform in the Black Sea. According to the Navy, the anti-tank missile crew was eliminated and the reconnaissance and surveillance equipment with which the occupiers controlled the water area between Crimea and the coast of the Odessa region was destroyed. The operation was reported by the Navy; it was also covered by a number of international media.
The Syvash platform is part of a group of so-called “Boyko towers” (“Petro Godovanets”, “Tavrida”, “Ukraine”) captured by Russia after the annexation of Crimea in 2014. After the capture, the Russian Federation equipped the installations with reconnaissance, electronic warfare and hydroacoustics systems, turning them into nodes for monitoring the surface, air and underwater situation. A strike on Syvash deprives the enemy of part of the sensor field in the northwestern Black Sea.
In recent days, Ukrainian forces have also targeted Russian energy infrastructure that powers defense plants, with the Orel TPP and Novobryansk substation in Bryansk Oblast reportedly being hit. Such attacks are believed to be limiting Russia’s ability to support military logistics and production.
Situation on the front. Amidst naval strikes, Russia continues to press on in the east. According to Western analysts, Russia achieved limited territorial gains in October, while fierce fighting continues for the logistical hubs of the Donetsk region.
“Boyko’s Rigs” are four offshore drilling platforms of Chornomornaftogaz that Russia seized in 2014 and later used for military purposes as observation posts at sea.
