Ukrainian Mine Drifting in the Black Sea: Russian Defense Ministry

Russian military officials have reported that a Ukrainian mine is drifting in the Black Sea. This information was shared by the BBC's Russian service.

"The command of the Black Sea Fleet has warned sailors about the presence of a mine hazard along the navigation route in the northwestern part of the Black Sea," the Russian Defense Ministry stated.

It is noted that the mine, which was released by Ukrainian naval forces in early 2022, poses a danger to civilian vessels.

During the large-scale war, the mines embedded in the Black Sea are expected to take years to clear, as warned by Dmitry Pletenchuk, spokesman for Ukraine's Naval Forces, in June. "The water area is vast, and the Black Sea is deep, unlike the Sea of Azov. This will haunt us for years... This is years of work," he said.