Russian Black Sea Fleet partially deprived of ability to block ports

Russia's Black Sea Fleet (BSF) has suffered a series of major attacks in recent weeks, culminating in strikes on its headquarters on September 20 and 22, 2023. These attacks were more destructive and coordinated than so far during the war.

This was reported by the UK Ministry of Defense on Twitter.

As noted in the report, the physical damage to the Black Sea Fleet is almost certainly serious but localized. The fleet is almost certainly still able to carry out its main military tasks of launching cruise missiles and patrolling.

According to British intelligence, it is likely that its ability to continue wider patrols and to enforce a de facto blockade of Ukrainian ports will be reduced. Its ability to protect ships in port and conduct routine maintenance is also likely to be impaired.

"A dynamic, deep strike battle is underway in the Black Sea. This is likely forcing Russia into a reactive posture whilst demonstrating that Ukraine’s military can undermine the Kremlin’s symbolic and strategic power projection from its warm water port in occupied Sevastopol," the British Ministry of Defense said.

Author – Anastasiya Glotova, 26/09/2023