In a stunning display of precision warfare, Ukrainian forces launched a bold drone strike on a Russian gas platform in the Black Sea, obliterating a key surveillance asset that had hampered their operations for months. At 9:20 a.m. local time on May 19, 2025, a Ukrainian FPV drone, modified for combat, struck the NEVA radar system on Boyco Tower Alpha, delivering a devastating blow that sent shockwaves through Russian military ranks.

The operation, executed by an SBU operator known as Soill, showcased the ingenuity of Ukrainian forces as they transformed a standard quadcopter into a lethal weapon. The drone, laden with 3 kg of high explosives, flew a meticulous zigzag path to evade detection, ultimately striking its target with pinpoint accuracy. The explosion dismantled the radar system, rendering Russian forces blind to further threats.

But the assault didn’t end there. Moments later, a sophisticated unmanned surface vessel, the Seaby, approached the platform, carrying nearly 1 ton of explosives. Designed for maximum destruction, the Seaby struck the platform at 9:50 a.m., triggering a catastrophic chain reaction. The explosion unleashed a fireball that melted steel and vaporized concrete, collapsing the entire structure into the sea.

Eyewitness accounts describe a towering plume of smoke rising from the wreckage, a stark reminder of the attack’s ferocity. The Boyco Tower, once a symbol of Russian military presence, is now reduced to twisted metal and debris, with reports indicating that any personnel on board were likely trapped in the chaos.

As Ukrainian forces celebrate this significant tactical victory, the implications for Russian operations in the region are profound. The destruction of the Boyco Tower not only disrupts Russian surveillance capabilities but also signals a bold new phase in Ukraine’s maritime warfare strategy. The message is clear: Ukraine will not back down in its quest to reclaim control over the Black Sea.