Russia’s Kerch ferry crossing under fire: Ukrainian special forces knock out Slavyanin—key vessel for weapon supply

On the night of 13–14 March, special forces from the Active Operations Department of Ukraine's Defense Intelligence carried out successful strikes against two Russian military vessels. The operation took place in the Black Sea. 

Both ships were reportedly used by Russian forces in their war against Ukraine.

As a result of the operation, the railway ferry Slavyanin was put out of action, while the vessel Avangard was damaged. 

Key vessels in Russia’s military logistics knocked out

According to the agency, the ships were important components of the so-called Kerch Ferry Crossing, playing a key role in the maritime logistics of Russian troops.

"The vessels were used, in particular, to transport weapons, military equipment, and ammunition," the Ukrainian Defense Intelligence reports. 

Strike extends beyond ships

During the operation, Ukrainian military intelligence special forces, together with other units of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, also delivered fire strikes against infrastructure at the Port Kavkaz in Krasnodar Krai.

Russia actively uses this port to support military transport and logistics for its forces involved in the war against Ukraine.

Meanwhile, military expert Oleksandr Kovalenko says that Russian occupiers have been actively using the Kerch route to supply their forces both on the Crimean Peninsula and on temporarily occupied parts of mainland Ukraine.

"In effect, Ukraine has not only established near-complete control over the Black Sea by driving Russian military ships out and restricting navigation routes for shadow fleet tankers, but is also actively severing logistical supply lines to Crimea," he explains. 

Earlier, the Ukrainian Defense Forces targeted the Kremniy El microelectronics plant in Bryansk, Russia. This facility specializes in producing control systems for virtually all types of missiles in Russia’s arsenal.

The plant produced a wide range of microchips and components used in strategically critical weapons systems, including Topol‑M and Bulaava missile complexes, S‑300 and S‑400 air defense systems, and avionics for MiG and Su aircraft.