The Black Sea Fleet of Russia after six months of the great war in Ukraine is practically unfit for combat.
It is used as a defensive force or to launch missiles, according to Politico.
When Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, its ships launched Kalibr missiles at military and civilian targets in Ukraine, blocking access to ports.
However, Ukraine seized the initiative: missile attacks damaged the Russian fleet, sinking several ships, including the cruiser Moskva, and destroying air support at the base in Saki.
The Russians hoped that the fleet in Crimea would play a big role in containing Ukrainian forces in the south and would strengthen the island.
As you can see, the expectations were not justified: the fleet took up a defensive position in ports or far from the coast in order to avoid attacks by Ukrainian forces. It looks like they are just trying to limit losses, and not maneuvering and striking in the Black Sea, a Western diplomat comments on the situation for Politico.
A particularly important miscalculation was the loss of ships and landing ships by the Russians, because it was with their help that the Russian military and equipment were capsized by the sea, explains a specialist at the Institute for Foreign Policy Studies.
The stocks of the Russian fleet in the Black Sea, according to the Western military, are small missile corvettes and frigates, landing ships and six submarines. More than 30 ships are at sea or in port, but again their effectiveness and maneuverability have decreased after the defeat of the air defense on the cruiser Moskva.
Snake Island also gave Russia some flexibility, but its loss further reduced the tactical capabilities of the Russian fleet.
Source: Racurs
