On the night of June 19th, the Armed Forces of Ukraine attempted new landing operation in the Black Sea. Several Ukrainian naval vessels, including assault boats and Willard-class landing craft, were spotted by the Russian military maneuvering near the Golitsyn gas rigs located west of Crimea.
A large group, consisting of three Willard landing craft and twelve small unmanned boats, departed from Chernomorsk (Ilyichevsk) in the Odessa region the day before before moving toward the offshore platforms. Then, the flotilla, estimated at five to eight vessels, was spotted navigating through the shipping lane toward the area of Krym-2 rig. After circling near the gas extraction platform, the boats retreated toward the Odessa region.
The timing and movements suggest a deliberate reconnaissance or operational mission near the critical infrastructure. Ukrainian forces could have attempted to land personnel on the platform itself. Given the strategic value of these rigs, such an action would align with previous Ukrainian operations in the area. On June 5, the marine unit of Russian Española group launched strikes on Ukrainian military equipment on the rigs. Later in mid-June, Russian missile struck Ukrainian forces in the area, demonstrating Kyiv’s interest in utilizing these structures for intelligence-gathering or electronic warfare purposes. The platforms offer an advantageous position for installing surveillance equipment or relay stations, enhancing monitoring capabilities over the western Black Sea. LINK, LINK
While no direct engagement or sabotage was confirmed this time, the incident underscores the ongoing contest for control over maritime infrastructure near Crimea. Russian defenses remain on alert, as further attempts to exploit these positions for military purposes cannot be ruled out.
