Video: Russian Supersonic Missile Hits Ukrainian-Controlled Drilling Platform In Black Sea

A Ukrainian-controlled drilling platform was hit by a Russian supersonic cruise missile during a night strike in the Black Sea on June 9, 2025.

The strike targeted the Tavrida self-elevating drilling rig, located near Zmeiny (Snake) Island. This platform was originally seized by Russia in 2015 but was recaptured by Ukrainian forces in 2023.

According to Russian reports, the missile used was a Cold War-era Kh-22 (NATO name: AS-4 Kitchen), known for its high speed and large 1,000 kg warhead.

Russian sources claim the Tavrida platform was being used by Ukraine as a forward operating base. They allege it hosted electronic warfare systems, communication gear, drone refueling stations, and even personnel from Ukraine’s Main Directorate of Intelligence (GUR), who were preparing unmanned boat missions toward Russian-occupied Crimea. It is also claimed that the platform served as a command post for naval operations.

Russian and Ukrainian Telegram channels circulated the video on June 10, with some sources saying the strike was captured by a Russian surveillance drone. The video shows a powerful explosion near the base of the drilling platform.

According to reports, four more Kh-22 missiles were fired at nearby Snake Island during the same operation. However, the extent of the damage has not been confirmed yet.

The Russian side released footage from a strike with the Kh-22 cruise missile launched from the Tu-22M3 bomber on the “Tavrida” self-elevating drilling rig located in the Black Sea on June 9.

This object has been occupied by the Russians since 2015 and recaptured by Ukraine in… pic.twitter.com/u89nYVTyPh

— Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (BlueSky too) (@Archer83Able) June 10, 2025

Speaking to The War Zone (TWZ), Lt. Gen. Kyrylo Budanov, head of Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (GUR), denied the Russian claims regarding military activities on the platform.

He said Ukraine uses such platforms for different purposes but did not give specific details. He confirmed that the Tavrida rig had previously been hit more than ten times using both Kh-22 and Kh-59 missiles.

Budanov also shared a photo after the latest attack, which he said showed the condition of the rig. The image indicates that the main structure of the platform remains standing despite the blast.

Experts suggest that the missile used in the strike was likely a Kh-22, although the Kh-32, a more modern version of the same missile, may also be a possibility. Both are large, long-range missiles carried only by Tu-22M3 bombers.

In the ongoing war, these aircraft have frequently been used to launch Kh-22 missiles at ground targets. Though powerful, these weapons lack precision and have caused heavy civilian casualties in previous attacks.

Currently, Ukraine and Russia each control two of the four major offshore drilling platforms that previously belonged to Ukraine’s state-owned oil and gas company, Chornomornaftogaz. The two rigs near Snake Island are under Ukrainian control, while the two closer to Crimea remain in the hands of Russian forces.

References: TWZ, Top War

Source: Maritime Shipping News