Ukrainian attack on Kola Peninsula comes as Russian Navy launches strategic exercise

Almost at the same time as Moiseev made a statement about the exercise, Ukrainian drones were attacking the Kola Peninsula.

The region that is the home of Russia’s Northern Fleet was attacked by several UAVs. Two of them were reportedly shot down near the air base of Olenya.

Rumours and speculations buzzed across the region about possible attacks also in other parts of the peninsula. According to some of the rumours, there were drone attack also on Severomorsk, the headquarter city of the Northern Fleet.

The information can so far not be verified, and there is currently no available footage of any drone heading towards the strategically important fleet base.

In a statement, Murmansk Governor Andrei Chibis underlined that regional air defence systems are working.

“All necessary measures are taken to heighten security and air defence systems are working on the elimination of the drones,” Andrei Chibis said in a statement  made around 11 am local time.

The governor did not specify exactly where the drone attack was taking place.

The airspace over the region has been closed for air traffic for much of the day. Four hours after Chibis made his statement about the attack, there were still no aircraft over the Kola Peninsula. The long-distance flights that normally fly over the region are being redirected.

Only around 3 pm (Moscow Time) did air traffic authorities reopen the airport of Murmansk.

The Ukrainian attack comes as Russia is launching its massive Ocean-2024 strategic exercise where more than 400 warships, submarines and auxiliary fleet support vessels are involved.

New Russian frigate Admiral Golovko fires missile Kalibr during Ocean-2024 exercise. Footage by Ministry of Defense

In addition to the Northern Fleet, the drills include the Pacific Fleet, the Baltic Fleet and the Caspian Flotilla. In the Pacific Fleet, four Chinese ships are engaged in joint action with the Russians.

As part of the exercise, fighter jets based in Severomorsk were making mock attacks on naval vessels in the Barents Sea.  At the same time, Bastion missile batteries were getting ready for launch from the coast of the Kola Peninsula. And out at sea, the frigate Admiral Golovko conducted a launch of a Kalibr missile.

Forces from Russia’s Northern Fleet and Pacific Fleet shoot at targets at sea as part of exercise Ocean 2024. Footage from Ministry of Defence

The exercise also includes nuclear submarines and a fleet of several vessels were together with surveillance aircraft involved in search and hunt down of a sub the Barents Sea.

“I am confident that all objectives of the exercise will be met and that the operational staff gets needed training in management of a quickly changing situation,” Head Commander of the Russian Navy said in a comment.

He added that “undoubtedly the experiences made by the Russian Armed Forces and the Navy during the special military operation will be a key point.”

In addition to the more than 400 ships, a total of 90 thousand troops are involved along with 7,500 pieces of machinery and 125 aircraft.