Ukraine’s forces destroyed two Russian patrol ships operating in the Black Sea along with the sophisticated air defense system by the name of “Triumf” in Crimea on Thursday.

     Inside of a post telegram messaging app, Ukraine’s Military said that they managed to hit them in the southwest of the black sea, causing “certain damage” in the morning attack. “The (Sergei) Kotav was hit,” military intelligence official Andriy Yusov mentioned in a report.

     The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed the attack, however, made no mention of receiving damage from Russian missiles. It did mention that 5 Ukranian assault drones had been repelled by the defenses.

     While the counter-offensive in the south has been slowed by scattered minefields, Russian air defense systems, and Russian defensive lines, the fighting has escalated; with Russia forming a blockade from Ukraine’s seaport, blocking any exports from escaping.

     Along with the defense systems, Russia has sent assault drones to destroy Ukrainian infrastructure. Russia also fires missiles from the Black Sea fleet to destroy targets of their choosing.

     With the Ukraine war progressing, dozens die daily. US officials, as quoted by the New York Times, recently put the number at 70,000 dead and over 120,000 injured. The record for civilian deaths is 9,177. Russia’s military casualties are approaching 300,000. The number consists of 120,000 deaths and over 170,000 to 180,000 injuries. However, Russia has over 1,330,000 active-duty troops, while Ukraine has 500,000.

     The Ukraine-Russia war is constantly evolving. As US President Joe Biden supports Ukraine with economic value and military value, Russia may be receiving external help from other countries.