In a series of strategic blows to Moscow’s military presence in the Black Sea, Ukraine claims to have neutralized a third of the Russian naval fleet, signaling a significant shift in the maritime balance of power in the region. According to Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk, recent strikes, including the targeting of the Russian amphibious landing ship Kostiantyn Olshansky, have dealt a heavy blow to Russian military capabilities.
The Kostiantyn Olshansky was part of the Ukrainian navy before its capture by Russia during the 2014 annexation of Crimea. Now, resting in dock at Sevastopol, it was struck in an operation that also saw damage inflicted upon two other landing ships, Azov and Yamal, as well as the Ivan Khurs intelligence ship.
“Our ultimate goal is the complete absence of military ships of the so-called Russian Federation in the Azov and Black Sea regions,” Pletenchuk told The Associated Press, underlining Ukraine’s determination to continue its offensive operations at sea.
This latest strike, part of a wider campaign of Ukrainian drone and missile operations, has not only challenged Russia’s naval superiority but has also contributed to safer conditions for Ukrainian grain exports and other maritime trade from the country’s Black Sea ports. This development comes as a morale booster for Kyiv, whose forces continue to grapple with Russian attacks along an extensive frontline.
The impact of Ukraine’s naval strikes has been noted beyond the immediate region. “The Ukrainians have been able to inflict heavy losses on the Russian Black Sea Fleet,” NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg commented, lauding Ukraine’s efforts, which have facilitated the export of grain to the global market even without a formal agreement with Russia.
These losses come amid reports that Russian navy chief, Adm. Nikolai Yevmenov, had been dismissed and replaced with Adm. Alexander Moiseyev, the commander of Russia’s Northern Fleet. The Kremlin has not yet made an official announcement regarding this purported reshuffle.
Adding to the tally of Russian naval setbacks, the Ukrainian military claimed another victory with the sinking of the Caesar Kunikov landing ship, supposedly targeted by “MAGURA” V5 drones operated by “Group 13” special forces. This strike furthers the earlier Ukrainian claims of disabling about a third of Russia’s Black Sea warships, a count that included 24 disabled ships and one submarine.
This calculated use of drones has been particularly effective against the Russian fleet. The relatively small and hard-to-detect “MAGURA” drones, powered by jet skis and possessing a range of about 800 kilometers, have proven to be a challenge for Russian ships which are less maneuverable in comparison.
Relevant articles:
– Ukrainian navy says a third of Russian warships in the Black Sea have been destroyed or disabled
– Ukraine destroyed or disabled a third of Russia’s Black Sea warships – Ukrainian Navy, Euromaidan Press, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 16:16:54 GMT
– Ukrainian says a third of Russian warships in the Black Sea have been destroyed or disabled, Oil City Derrick, Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:38:12 GMT
– Caesar Kunikov: Ukraine says it has sunk another warship, disabling a third of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, CNN, Wed, 14 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT