Putin Claims Ukraine Damaged Over 100 Ships in Black Sea, Russia Claims Damage Restored

On September 25, 2026, Russian President Vladimir Putin declared during a press briefing that Ukrainian forces had damaged more than 100 ships in the Black Sea. The statement was made by the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti. Putin also claimed that Russia had completed the restoration of all damage inflicted by Kyiv's maritime attacks. The exact nature and extent of the damage, as well as the methods of restoration, were not specified in the reports. The claims by Putin were based on information provided by Russian military authorities, though no independent verification was offered. The Black Sea remains a critical area for both Russia and Ukraine, with naval operations and infrastructure targeted by both sides. The restoration of damaged vessels is a significant logistical and financial undertaking, and the assertion of full restoration raises questions about the scale and impact of the attacks. The statements by Putin were reported by RIA Novosti, the primary Russian state news outlet. No other sources were cited, and there were no conflicting reports from international media or independent analysts at the time of the announcement.