Ukrainian strikes on the headquarters of the Russian Black Sea Fleet and other facilities have revealed the vulnerability of Crimean assets. Consequently, Russia currently has no plans for a full return of its fleet to Crimea.
This was reported by Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk on a telethon broadcast.
According to him, the situation in the Black Sea and Azov Sea remains stable. The Russians are keeping their naval fleet at a distance from Ukrainian Defense Forces but are using their aviation to patrol the western and southern coasts of Crimea.
“The enemy continues to stay away from the Sea of Azov, and their combat-ready ships remain based in Novorossiysk,” Pletenchuk stated.
He added that the Russians have a submarine equipped with cruise missiles guarding this area, although it’s currently being used for guarding the location of other ships rather than launching missiles.
At the same time, Russian aviation continues reconnaissance and patrol operations in the air.
“They’re attempting to guard the waters adjacent to occupied Crimea, with the most activity on the western and southern coasts,” he noted.
When asked if the Russian forces are restoring command posts in Crimea to bring back the Black Sea Fleet, as was previously speculated online, Pletenchuk responded:
“Let’s recall the strike on the Black Sea Fleet’s command post and headquarters. If this information is confirmed, it would seem odd. But it doesn’t necessarily relate to any plans for a return to Crimea. Currently, there’s no indication that the Russians have any hope of this.”
