A Ukrainian commander has revealed that Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been significantly weakened, with only one ship remaining in the region after a series of successful attacks. The commander stated that most combat units, including carriers of cruise missiles, have been relocated, leaving behind the Cyclone warship, a Karakurt-class corvette, as the sole vessel in Crimea.
Ukraine has been utilizing missiles and drones to target Russian ships at Sevastopol, a major Black Sea port in Crimea. Recent attacks by Ukraine resulted in the destruction of four Russian ships, including large landing ships and a spy vessel. The UK Royal Navy reported that 25% of Russia's vessels in the Black Sea have been either sunk or damaged.
Following the attacks, the UK's defense minister declared the Black Sea Fleet as 'functionally inactive.' Intelligence updates revealed that Russian barges were positioned at the entrance to the Black Sea Fleet facility in Novorossiysk to enhance defenses against Ukrainian Uncrewed Surface Vessels (USVs) armed with explosives.
Notably, valuable Russian assets have sought refuge at the Novorossiysk port in the eastern Black Sea due to the persistent attacks on Sevastopol. The former Commander of the Black Sea Fleet was reportedly dismissed after the string of Ukrainian successes, with his successor likely implementing measures to enhance the survival chances of Russian vessels.
