Ukraine’s tactical uncrewed surface vessels, or USVs, which were employed in an unprecedented attack on the Russian Navy’s base in Sevastopol on the occupied Crimean Peninsula last month. Ukrainian authorities say they hope to raise enough funds to buy 100 of the drone boats, which they claim are capable of striking targets as far away as 500 miles, among other missions.New video footage and images of the USVs were released by the Ukrainian government Friday through its UNITED24 fundraising platform as part of an effort to crowdsource funding for the boats. UNITED24 is an initiative of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to raise funds for a wide array of items needed by Ukraine’s military and civilians.“We must defend the waters of our seas and peaceful cities from Russian missiles launched from ships,” Zelensky wrote Friday on his Telegram channel. “Naval drones will also help unblock the corridor for civilian ships transporting grain for the world.”Zelensky alluded to previous use of the USVs depicted on the website.“I am sure that millions of people will support this important area of Ukraine’s defense,” he said. “Everyone has already seen how it works.”Zelensky’s sentiments were echoed by the head of Ukraine’s Navy.“Such naval drones have already proven their effectiveness, and can change the situation in the Black Sea significantly,” said Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Vice Admiral, Commander of the Naval Forces of the Ukrainian Navy, in a media release.The USVs, are 18-foot-long vessels said to be capable of carrying a combat load of up to 400 pounds, with a top speed of about 50 mph. Each USV has a $250,000 price tag that the website says includes a ground-based, autonomous control station, a transportation and storage system, and “a data processing center.” #ukraine #ukrainevsrussia #united24 #USV #kamikaze #droneboat #russia #russiavsukraine #russiaukrainewar