Russia dispersing Black Sea Fleet, feeling threatened

Russia is dispersing the Black Sea Fleet and withdrawing part of the ships from their bases. The likely reason for this is the threat of strikes.

According to Caliber.Az, this is stated in the daily intelligence review of the British Ministry of Defence.

On 11 January 2023, a group of at least 10 vessels of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet (BSF) departed the Novorossiysk Naval Facility, it said.

"Given the type and number of vessels putting to sea at the same time, the activity is likely a fleet dispersal in response to a specific threat to Novorossiysk that Russia believes it has identified," the report said.

Intelligence notes that it is unlikely that the deployment signifies preparation for unusual maritime-launched cruise-missile strikes. It is highly unlikely that the fleet is preparing for amphibious assault operations.

"The BSF largely remains fixed by perceived threats from Ukraine, and continues to prioritise force protection over offensive or patrol operations," the Defence Ministry added

Latest Defence Intelligence update on the situation in Ukraine - 14 January 2023

Find out more about the UK government's response: https://t.co/rplsUvpx6O

🇺🇦 #StandWithUkraine 🇺🇦 pic.twitter.com/DkfwwwZUO2

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) January 14, 2023