Ukraine retook control of the Boyko Rigs, gas and oil drilling platforms off the coast of Crimea in the Black Sea, according to the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Defense Ministry of Ukraine, reports Ukrinform news agency.

The news have been confirmed by Defence intelligence of Ukraine in a statement in X (former twitter).

“A unique operation to regain control over the Boyko Rigs was executed by the units of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine. In particular, the Petro Hodovalets and Ukraina drilling platforms, as well as the Tavrida and Syvash rigs, were brought back under control,” the statement says.

During the operation, the Ukrainian units managed to seize a stock of NAR-type helicopter munitions (unguided aerial missiles), as well as the Neva radar, which can track maritime navigation in the Black Sea.

During one of the phases of the operation, a battle took place between Ukrainian special operations forces manning small boats and a Russian Su-30 fighter jet. As a result of the engagement, the Russian warplane was damaged and forced to retreat.

It’s worth mentioning that the so-called Boyko Rigs were occupied by Russian forces in 2015, and with the beginning of the full-scale invasion in February 2022, Russia used them for military purposes. In particular, the Russian armed forces used these rigs as helipads and platforms for radars.