Ukraine's navy chief, Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, claims that Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been significantly weakened, with nearly all combat-ready warships moved from occupied Crimea to other locations.
Ukraine's navy chief has asserted that Russia's Black Sea Fleet has been severely weakened due to Ukrainian attacks, forcing the relocation of combat-ready warships from occupied Crimea.
Ukraine's Naval Commander: Russian Black Sea Fleet Severely Weakened
Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa revealed that Ukrainian missile and naval drone strikes have inflicted heavy damage to the Sevastopol base, a crucial logistical hub for the Black Sea Fleet. He emphasized that Russia is now losing the benefits of this strategic base, which has been established over decades.
Neizhpapa stated that Ukraine has disabled or destroyed 27 Russian naval vessels, including five that were sunk by sea mines near the Bay of Sevastopol. This includes the sinking of the Moskva, the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet, in April 2022.
Ukraine's Naval Commander: Russian Black Sea Fleet Severely Weakened
As a result of these setbacks, Neizhpapa indicated that the Black Sea Fleet is now primarily focused on logistics, limited coastal control, and firing Kalibr cruise missiles at Ukraine.
The Ukrainian navy chief expressed optimism that the delivery of F-16 fighter aircraft from the United States will enable Ukraine to challenge Russia's air dominance over the Black Sea. He believes that the F-16s will be able to push back Russian warplanes and enhance the security of civilian shipping corridors.
In addition to naval warfare, Neizhpapa also discussed Ukraine's success in establishing and securing its own shipping corridor in the Black Sea without relying on Russia.
He emphasized the importance of air defenses and patrol boats in protecting ports and shipping corridors and mentioned that the volume of cargo through the corridor has stabilized over the past six months.
Neizhpapa expressed Ukraine's aspiration to expand the shipping corridor to include the ports of Mykolaiv and Kherson, but acknowledged that Russia's control over the Kinburn Spit currently prevents this.
Despite the setbacks faced by the Black Sea Fleet, Russia continues to modernize its navy, according to President Vladimir Putin. The Russian leader has stated that measures are being taken to strengthen the fleet's combat stability and resilience.
The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of naval power in controlling access to strategic areas. Ukraine's success in challenging the dominance of the Black Sea Fleet is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of its forces.
