Rosalind Evans
Recent satellite imagery has shed light on the strategic movements of Russian naval ships, primarily from their base in Sevastopol in Crimea, following a series of Ukrainian missile attacks. The data hints at Russia’s precautionary measures and diversification of its naval positions while concurrently laying plans for a new naval base in a breakaway region of Georgia.
The last few weeks have shown significant activity in the Black Sea region. As per the captured images, around a dozen naval ships – a mix of frigates, landing ships, and submarines – have shifted their base eastward to Novorossiysk. While CNN has validated that some of these ships originated from Sevastopol, the home port of the Black Sea Fleet, their review of additional imagery underlines that many military vessels remain stationed there.
Adding further insight, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) highlighted that images from early October “reportedly show that Russian forces recently moved the Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen frigates, three diesel submarines, five landing ships, and several small missile ships” to Novorossiysk. Moreover, a few ships have also been relocated to the port of Feodosia in eastern Crimea.
These strategic movements come from Ukraine’s intensified missile attacks on Sevastopol, significantly damaging the Black Sea Fleet headquarters and a few naval vessels.
Dmytro Pletenchuk, the Ukrainian Navy’s spokesman, shared, “The Black Sea Fleet was ‘constantly dispersing its ships. They realize these are our targets and constantly move them between several ports.” Pletenchuk also pointed out that while the naval presence in the Black Sea has diminished, Russian aerial operations remain active over waters from which warships have been removed.
However, Moscow’s Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies argued that such ship movements are standard, delineating the types and numbers of the ships that have shifted between Sevastopol, Novorossiysk, and Feodosia.
In parallel developments, Abkhazia’s leader, Aslan Bzhania, declared an agreement to establish a permanent Russian Navy base on its coast, emphasizing its significance in bolstering defence capabilities for both nations. Georgia condemned this move, labelling it as an infringement on its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The shifting maritime dynamics in the Black Sea underscore the intricate and volatile geopolitical landscape. As Russia repositions its naval assets following the Ukrainian offensives and extends its influence in Abkhazia, the region remains an essential focal point for global defence and strategic analysts.
