On December 26, 2025, Ukraine’s 40th Coastal Defense Brigade successfully deployed the indigenously developed Barracuda uncrewed surface vessel (USV) to strike a Russian position along the Dnipro River, confirming the destruction of a camouflaged boat and outpost. This operation, showcased in a Telegram video, highlights Ukraine’s innovative adaptation of USV technology, which has already proven effective against Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. Additionally, on December 24, Ukrainian forces targeted a Russian unmanned vessel maintenance facility in Crimea, disrupting Moscow’s USV buildup and protecting critical waterways. These developments underscore Ukraine’s commitment to enhancing its defensive capabilities amid ongoing conflict and signify a strategic shift in naval warfare dynamics in the region.