A Ukrainian-controlled drilling platform was hit by a Russian supersonic cruise missile during a night strike in the Black Sea on June 9, 2025.
The strike targeted the Tavrida self-elevating drilling rig, located near Zmeiny (Snake) Island. This platform was originally seized by Russia in 2015 but was recaptured by Ukrainian forces in 2023.
According to Russian reports, the missile used was a Cold War-era Kh-22 (NATO name: AS-4 Kitchen), known for its high speed and large 1,000 kg warhead.
Russian sources claim the Tavrida platform was being used by Ukraine as a forward operating base. They allege it hosted electronic warfare systems, communication gear, drone refueling stations, and even personnel from Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), who were preparing unmanned boat missions toward Russian-occupied Crimea. It is also claimed that the platform served as a command post for naval operations.
Russian and Ukrainian
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