Watch: Dramatic moment Russian warship explodes in Special Forces drone attack

Dramatic footage has been released showing a £51m Russian warship being attacked and destroyed by Ukrainian drones in the Black Sea.

The Sergei Kotov patrol ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was struck by five Magura V5 naval drones, operated by a Ukrainian special forces unit known only as Group 13.

"The mission took place in co-operation with the military-navy forces of the armed forces of Ukraine and supported by the ministry of digital transformation," said Ukraine's main directorate of intelligence.

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"On the night of March 4 to March 5, 2024, the special unit of ... Group 13 attacked the patrol ship of the Black Sea fleet of the Russian Federation Cêrgêj Kotov.

"The fire impact ... occurred in the territorial waters of Ukraine, near the Kerch Strait.

"The cost of the sunken ship is about $65m."

The footage, captured from the perspective of the Ukrainian drones, shows the Sergei Kotov being struck repeatedly during the relentless attack.

According to the Ukrainian MOD, the ship suffered damage to the stern, right and left sides.

It appears that the warship attempted to escape during the attack, but was unable to outmanoeuvre the Magura drones before being hit.

In reaction to the footage, Secretary of State for Defence MP Grant Shapps said: "The Black Sea is not safe for Putin's Navy. Until recently that would have been unimaginable. Now because the West backed Ukraine, it's undeniable.

"If we get them what they need, the bravery and skill of the Ukrainian Armed Forces can unlock victories once thought impossible."

In comparison to Royal Navy ships, like the Type 31 frigate which costs an estimated £250m, the Sergei Kotov patrol ship's £51m price tag is relatively small, although the drones used to attack the vessel reportedly cost as much as £217,000.

The Group 13 special forces group was also responsible for the sinking of the £53m missile corvette Ivanovets, which was also captured on drone footage and later circulated online.