Russia Navy Admiral Essen Damaged

Struck during the night of 8-9 September 2026 in a combined Ukrainian deep-strike operation against the Novorossiysk naval base, run by the Defence Intelligence Active Operations Department alongside other components of Ukraine's defence forces. The Ukrainian Navy said a Neptune anti-ship missile hit the frigate, damaging its superstructure and starting a fire; Defense Express published video of the strike. The extent of the damage has not been independently assessed and Russia has not commented. It is the fourth time the Kalibr carrier has been hit in 2026, after strikes on 1-2 March and 12 August. Admiral Essen is the second of three Project 11356 frigates serving with the Black Sea Fleet.