British Intelligence: Russia is installing barges to protect its fleet in the Black Sea

The forces of the Russian Federation have begun installing barges near the entrance to the Novorossiysk seaport "to protect the Black Sea Fleet," according to a statement from the Ministry of Defense of Britain.

"Recent imagery analysis has identified four barges positioned as the entrance to the Black Sea Fleet facility on Vovorossiysk Sea port. This is an effort to enhance the defences of the port against attacks from Ukrainian Uncrewd Surface Vessels," the intelligence writes.

The British Ministry of Defense says that "currently, the Novorossiysk port plays a crucial role in protecting the assets of the Black Sea Fleet."

It is noted that former Commander of the Black Sea Fleet Admiral Viktor Sokolov was recently removed from office "due to Ukraine's success in striking Russian ships both at sea and in ports."

"His replacement, Vice Admiral Sergey Pinchuk, has likely sought to mprove the survival chances of Russia vessels by adopting further preventative and defensive measures, including narrowing the entrance gap to port facilites," adds the Ministry of Defense of Britain.