Following the declaration of independence in 1991, Ukraine faced a number of systemic challenges, one of the most pressing being the division of the Soviet Black Sea Fleet. The Russian leadership was unwilling to relinquish control over the fleet and actively resisted Ukraine’s attempts to place part of the ships and infrastructure under its jurisdiction. The standoff escalated, gradually shifting from political pressure to the threat of open conflict.

In 1992, tensions within the Black Sea Fleet intensified — Ukrainian officers and sailors began openly pledging allegiance to Ukraine. By 20 January of that year, all servicemembers in Ukraine, including those stationed with the Black Sea Fleet, were required to take the Ukrainian military oath. However, due to the position of the pro-Russian command, the Black Sea Fleet as a whole was never formally brought under Ukrainian oath.

On 18 January, the first to take the military oath of allegiance to the Ukrainian people was company commander Captain 3rd Rank Oleksandr Kliuiev. He was followed by his deputy, Captain 3rd Rank Viktor Kravchenko, as well as the commanders of the training platoons: Captain 3rd Rank Borys Tsymbal, Captain-Lieutenant Viacheslav Hladnikov, Warrant Officer Serhii Riabinyn, and his deputy, Warrant Officer Oleh Bielov. The first group also included the company’s senior non-commissioned officer, Senior Warrant Officer Mykola Zhuravliov.

Alongside them, other experienced officers and warrant officers also took the oath: Captain 2nd Rank Mykola Tykhonov, Captains 3rd Rank Yakiv Dreval and Petro Piddubnyi, as well as more than 20 warrant officers from the personnel of the Navy Divers School.

Already on 22 February, the 880th Separate Marine Battalion of the Fleet in Sevastopol pledged allegiance to Ukraine — and was disbanded by order from Moscow just a few days later. This served as a warning to others: those who swore allegiance to the Ukrainian state faced subsequent reprisals, including threats of dismissal, disciplinary sanctions, and in some cases, forced reassignment to other fleet units or psychological pressure.

On 21 July 1992, the patrol ship SKR-112 took a historic step by becoming the first vessel of the fleet to raise the blue-and-yellow flag and depart from the Crimean base of Novoozerne to Odesa, joining the newly established Naval Forces of Ukraine.

On the night of 20 to 21 July, Ukrainian officers secretly boarded the SKR-112 to safeguard the crew from potential interference by pro-Russian forces. In the morning, the ship’s commander, Captain-Lieutenant Serhii Nastenko, held a briefing with the officers. It was confirmed that the crew had already taken the oath of allegiance to Ukraine and was prepared to carry out the planned operation.

At 8:15 a.m., citing the need to participate in exercises, SKR-112 received official permission to depart from the pier in Novoozerne. At this decisive moment, the blue-and-yellow national flag of Ukraine was raised on the mast — for the first time on a combat vessel of the fleet. This act was not only symbolic but also a political statement. Despite an attempt by Captain 3rd Rank Serhii Semenov to disrupt the operation and influence the crew’s decision, he was swiftly removed from command. SKR-112 then confidently set sail into open waters, beginning its historic voyage to Odesa under the Ukrainian flag.

However, on its way to Odesa, the vessel faced a large-scale interception operation launched by the Russian command. It was pursued by ships, boats, and aircraft. Particularly threatening was the missile ship Razitelnyi, which approached dangerously close and threatened to ram. Despite the pressure, the Ukrainian crew remained composed and skillfully maneuvered to avoid a collision. No return fire was opened — the primary objective was to ensure the safe arrival of the ship at a Ukrainian port without bloodshed.

Around 7:00 p.m., SKR-112 arrived in Odesa, where it was solemnly welcomed as the first group of heroes of the Ukrainian Navy. Locals greeted the crew with flowers, tears of joy, and words of gratitude — it was one of the first major moral victories of independent Ukraine.

The SKR-112 was later renamed U-132, becoming the first combat vessel to be officially incorporated into the Naval Forces of Ukraine. Until the autumn of 1997, it was stationed in Sevastopol. Commander Serhii Nastenko and other crew members were awarded state honors for their loyalty to the oath, courage, and patriotism.

This action has remained a lasting symbol of determination, dignity, and the struggle for sovereignty. It proved that even a single ship with a devoted crew can alter the course of history. In times when Ukraine is once again compelled to defend its freedom, the story of SKR-112 continues to inspire new generations of defenders. It serves as a powerful reminder that a nation’s true strength lies in its people — in their unity, bravery, and unwavering commitment to fight for the future.