Russia has announced the relocation of its Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk, including not only ships but also naval aviation and coastal missile complexes. This move comes as tensions between Russia and Ukraine continue to escalate. The Wall Street Journal recently reported on this development, prompting expert commentary on the significance of the fleet’s relocation.
Dmitry Zhavoronkov, an expert on the Russian Navy and naval shipbuilding, highlighted the strategic implications of this move. He emphasized that the range of Russian missiles allows for control not only over the Black Sea waters but also extends to the entire territory of Ukraine. Zhavoronkov personally witnessed various combat units and flags during his recent visit to Crimea, the Kherson region, and the Krasnodar Krai. He also mentioned that the MRK “Cyclone,” the first small missile ship of project 2280 built in Crimea at the Kerch Shipbuilding Plant, has made a visit to Abkhazia.
Commenting on Russia’s actions, Zhavoronkov noted that Russia continues to systematically strengthen its presence in the Black Sea. This move aligns with the views of former Commander of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Vladimir Komoyedov, who previously stated that the dispersion of naval vessels makes them harder to detect.
Furthermore, military expert Konstantin Sivkov highlighted the importance of the Black Sea Fleet’s relocation to Novorossiysk. He explained that the fleet must now provide security for the Crimean Bridge and domestic ports, necessitating comprehensive coverage of the entire Black Sea coastline.
It is worth noting that earlier speculation about the entry of the British fleet into the Black Sea has been refuted by military experts.
As tensions between Russia and Ukraine persist, the relocation of the Black Sea Fleet to Novorossiysk underscores Russia’s continued efforts to assert its naval dominance in the region. The strategic implications of this move cannot be underestimated, as it raises concerns about the security and stability of Ukraine and the broader Black Sea region.
