Ukrainian Naval Drones Target Russian Patrol Boats Near Kerch Bridge

• •Ukrainian drones eliminated the entire crew of a Russian FSB patrol boat near the Kerch Bridge.
• •The attack on April 30 involved two Russian vessels, resulting in significant casualties.
• •The Kerch Bridge remains a key target in Ukraine's maritime operations against Russia.

On April 30, 2026, Ukrainian naval drones conducted a strike on Russian patrol boats near the Kerch Bridge, resulting in the deaths of eight crew members from a Project PSKA-300 'Sobol' patrol boat and nine crew members from a Project 21980 'Grachonok' anti-sabotage boat. The attack was part of Ukraine's ongoing efforts to disrupt Russian maritime operations in the Black Sea. The 'Sobol' patrol boat was reportedly guarding the bridge, which serves as a critical logistical link between Russia and occupied Crimea. The strike also injured two additional crew members on the 'Grachonok' boat, indicating that there were more personnel than the standard crew size. Both vessels were involved in maritime security operations at the time of the attack. This incident highlights the increasing intensity of naval engagements in the region. The Ukrainian Navy confirmed the strikes as part of their broader strategy to target Russian naval assets. The Kerch Bridge has been a repeated target since 2022 due to its strategic importance.