Ukrainian Navy explains why it is difficult to destroy Russian submarines before missile strikes.

According to ТСН: The Navy of Ukraine has explained why carrying out preemptive strikes on Russian missile carriers before an attack is a technically complex process. The main issue is the stealth of the enemy fleet, especially submarines.

This information was provided by spokesperson of the Navy of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Dmytro Pletenchuk, during a telethon 'Unified News'.

Why it is difficult to strike before launch

According to Pletenchuk, the period when a ship prepares for an attack and becomes vulnerable lasts only a few hours.

Major difficulties arise due to the fact that Russia increasingly uses submarines:

• they are characterized by a high level of stealth;

• obtaining accurate information on the missile launch zone from a submerged position is extremely difficult;

• constant presence of aviation near the probable launch site is necessary for their detection, which is not always possible amid active hostilities.

When can we 'catch' missile carriers

However, the occupiers do not go unpunished. The spokesperson emphasized that any ship or submarine is sooner or later forced to return to base for replenishment of supplies.

This moment was seized by the Defense Forces in December 2025, when a Russian missile-carrying submarine was hit in the port of Novorossiysk.

“Even in the complex systems of the enemy, there are vulnerable spots that the Defense Forces of Ukraine take advantage of at the right moment,” the military emphasized.

The situation at sea now

As of January 13, no activity of the Russian fleet is observed — there are no sorties of combat ships. However, the enemy continues to use aviation and launch ballistic missiles from temporarily occupied Crimea.

Pletenchuk also commented on the state of defensive structures near the Crimean Bridge: winter storms continue to destroy them.

“One day, we will definitely clean the water area from all this dirt,” the spokesperson promised.

Let us remind you that on the night of January 13, Russia conducted a new attack on Ukraine, the main goal of which was energy facilities. Significant destruction was recorded among residential and civilian infrastructure.

This situation illustrates the difficulties faced by Ukrainian soldiers in combating the Russian fleet. Although the Armed Forces constantly work on detecting enemy targets, technical difficulties prevent them from implementing plans by 100%. The confrontation continues, and every moment requires maximum caution and accuracy to protect Ukrainian territories.