Russian Supersonic Missile Strikes Ukrainian Drilling Platform in the Black Sea

A recent publication by Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) reveals that on June 9,2025,a Ukrainian-operated drilling platform was struck by a Russian supersonic cruise missile in the Black Sea. this incident involved the Tavrida self-elevating rig, situated near Zmeiny Island.Originally taken over by russia in 2015, it was reclaimed by Ukraine in 2023.

As per Russian sources, the missile employed in this attack was a Kh-22 (NATO designation: AS-4 Kitchen), notorious for its speed and hefty warhead weighing around 1,000 kg. They assert that the Tavrida platform functioned as an operational base for Ukraine’s military efforts. Allegations include its use for electronic warfare systems and drone refueling stations while also housing personnel from Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR),who were reportedly planning unmanned boat missions targeting Russian-held Crimea.

On June 10, videos circulated on Telegram channels from both sides of the conflict showed footage of a significant explosion at the drilling platform’s base. Some reports suggest this video may have been captured by a Russian surveillance drone during the strike.

In addition to targeting Tavrida, four more Kh-22 missiles were reportedly launched at Snake Island during this operation; however, details regarding any damage remain unverified.Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov of Ukraine’s GUR spoke with the War Zone (TWZ) and dismissed claims about military operations taking place on the rig. He mentioned that while such platforms serve various purposes for Ukraine, he refrained from providing specifics but confirmed that Tavrida had endured over ten attacks previously involving both Kh-22 and Kh-59 missiles.Budanov also shared an image post-strike indicating that despite sustaining damage from the blast,much of the rig’s structure remained intact—a testament to its resilience under fire.

Experts speculate that while it is likely a Kh-22 missile was used in this latest strike, there is also potential for involvement from its modern counterpart—the Kh-32—both being long-range munitions deployed exclusively by Tu-22M3 bombers known for their role in ground-target assaults throughout this ongoing conflict.Despite their destructive capabilities, these missiles are criticized for their lack of precision which has led to numerous civilian casualties historically.

At present times within this maritime theater of war between Russia and Ukraine each side controls two out of four major offshore drilling platforms once owned by Chornomornaftogaz—the ukrainian state oil company—with those near Snake island under Ukrainian jurisdiction while others closer to Crimea remain occupied by Russian forces.