The Russian Baltic Fleet is no longer capable of conducting large-scale amphibious operations due to the Russian losses in the war in Ukraine. This conclusion was reached by experts from the reputable intelligence and analytical center Rochan Consulting.
In their analytical report, the center outlined the main findings from the military-naval exercises "Ocean Shield 2023" conducted by Russia in the Baltic Sea. According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the maneuvers involved more than 30 military ships and boats, 20 support vessels, 30 aircraft, and around 6,000 servicemen.
It is noteworthy that these exercises took place at the same time as NATO conducted its own maneuvers in the Baltic Sea. All of this occurred during a period of worsening relations between Russia and NATO member countries, the most significant in decades.
The war in Ukraine has had a negative impact on the potential of the Russian Baltic Fleet. According to Rochan Consulting, three major landing ships from the fleet were sent to the Black Sea just before the invasion of Ukraine and are now stranded there, as they cannot be withdrawn through the closed Turkish straits.
Similarly, the 336th Marine Brigade of the Baltic Fleet suffered heavy losses in the war, significantly reducing the fleet's ability to project power.
According to analysts, the Kremlin intended the naval exercises to demonstrate Russia's ability to counter NATO forces in the region. However, the exercises ultimately confirmed that the Baltic Fleet has lost the capability to conduct large-scale offensive amphibious operations due to the involvement of its landing ships and marine infantry in the war in Ukraine.
