Russia's Black Sea Fleet diminished by Ukrainian strikes, shifting to Eastern Waters British Defence Intelligence reports

According to the latest update on X page from British Defence Intelligence on the situation in Ukraine, the Black Sea has experienced a significant shift in naval power since Russia's invasion in 2022.

Ukrainian forces have effectively diminished the strength of Russia's once-dominant Black Sea Fleet, Caliber.Az reports.

In the aftermath of more than 1,000 days of intense conflict, Ukrainian naval operations have dealt a significant blow to Russia's presence in the Black Sea, forcing a major shift in Russian military tactics.

Before the invasion, Russia relied heavily on its Black Sea Fleet, viewing it as a central pillar of its maritime strategy. The fleet provided essential support for operations in the region. However, the latest Defence Intelligence update reveals that the Ukrainian Navy, initially outmatched by the Black Sea Fleet, has inflicted substantial damage on Russian naval assets.

"Despite being unable to conduct conventional operations in the Black Sea throughout the war, Ukrainian forces have managed to sink or damage over 25% of Russia's major warships in the region," the report highlights.

A notable achievement in this campaign was the sinking of the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, the Slava-class cruiser MOSKVA, which had symbolised Russia’s advanced air-defence capabilities.

As a result of mounting losses, the Black Sea Fleet has had to relocate its major assets from Sevastopol, its historic base, to Novorossiysk in the Eastern Black Sea. "This shift has significantly altered the fleet's operational capabilities," the update states, with Russian forces adjusting their tactics to operate in these new waters.

Despite these setbacks, the Black Sea Fleet remains a critical component of Russia's military operations.

"Although its assets are now concentrated in the eastern part of the sea, the fleet continues to hold the capacity to carry out long-range strikes against Ukrainian targets in support of Russian land operations," the Defence Intelligence report notes.

This ongoing shift in the Black Sea underscores the impact of Ukrainian naval actions, which have altered the region's balance of power and significantly weakened Russia's maritime strength.

By Aghakazim Guliyev