On the night of 6 April, Ukrainian Unmanned Systems Forces carried out strikes on the frigate Admiral Grigorovich in the port of Novorossiysk, as well as on the offshore drilling platform Sivash.
The vessel is a carrier of Kalibr cruise missiles, which Russia regularly uses to strike Ukrainian cities.
Missile platform failed to defend itself against drones
Admiral Grigorovich is the lead frigate of the Burevestnik (Project 11356R) class in the Russian Navy. It is equipped with up to 8 Kalibr cruise missiles and the Shtil-1 air defense system (up to 24 missiles).
Air defense missiles were reportedly launched directly from the frigate as targets approached, but this did not prevent the ship from being hit.
“Birds” operation: strike on key Russia's targets
The operation was carried out by the Birds of Madiar unit of the 1st Separate Center of the Unmanned Systems Forces. Planning and coordination were conducted by the Security Service of Ukraine.
The extent of the damage is currently being assessed by intelligence.
Strike on “Sivash”: increasing pressure on rear
The floating drilling platform Sivash was struck by the “Ptakhy” unit of the 413th Battalion “Raid”, in coordination with naval deep-strike forces.
This represents another example of the expanding range and reach of Ukrainian strike capabilities.
Was it really Admiral Grigorovich?
At the same time, the OSINT project CyberBoroshno reports that Admiral Grigorovich may currently be part of a Russian naval task group in the Mediterranean Sea.
“Therefore, it is likely that another Project 11356R frigate was hit—either Admiral Makarov or Admiral Essen, both of which are based in Novorossiysk,” analysts note.
According to their data, Admiral Essen has previously sustained damage.
Analysts add that they “hope it was Admiral Makarov, who regularly launches Kalibr missiles at Ukraine.”
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. developer’s promise
In 2024, Serhii Hryhorovych, founder of GSC Game World, promised to give away his Rolls-Royce to whoever sinks the frigate, stating that it “dishonors his surname.”
