Leaked photos have emerged of a Russian submarine that is believed to have been heavily damaged in a Ukrainian attack last week. The photos, which were obtained by the Conflict Intelligence Team (CIT), show the submarine with a large hole in its hull and other signs of significant damage.
The CIT is an open-source intelligence (OSINT) group that has been tracking the war in Ukraine. The group has previously released evidence of Russian military losses, including photos and videos of destroyed tanks and armored vehicles.
The CIT said that the photos of the damaged submarine were taken at the Sevastopol shipyard in Crimea. The shipyard is a major hub for the Russian Navy and is home to several submarine bases.
It is not clear how the submarine was damaged. However, the CIT said that the photos are consistent with damage that would be caused by a missile attack.
The Russian Navy has not commented on the leaked photos. However, the Kremlin has previously denied that any Russian warships have been sunk in the war in Ukraine.
Images have leaked (presumably by shipyard workers) of the Russian Improved Kilo–class attack submarine Rostov na Donu (B-237), hit by a Ukrainian cruise missile strike in the Sevastopol Shipyard drydocks.
Damage is catastrophic. pic.twitter.com/0gltI6M8qq
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) September 18, 2023
The release of the photos of the damaged submarine is a further sign of the heavy losses that the Russian Navy has suffered in the war in Ukraine. The Ukrainian Navy has been able to successfully target Russian warships using a variety of weapons, including anti-ship missiles and drones.
The damage to the submarine is also a blow to Russian morale. Submarines are a key part of the Russian Navy’s nuclear deterrent. The loss of a submarine would be a significant setback for the Russian Navy and would raise questions about its ability to defend Russia’s strategic interests.
Apparently, the damage done to 🇷🇺 large amphibious ship “Minsk” & the “Rostov-na-Donu” submarine in the occupied Crimea last night is irreparable.
Picture shows what remained of “Minsk”. #StandWithUkraine pic.twitter.com/5viKsXlBoZ
— olexander scherba🇺🇦 (@olex_scherba) September 13, 2023