Ukraine’s recent sea drone strike has rendered the headquarters of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet in Sevastopol practically inoperative. This forces a major relocation of its ships, according to Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa.

Fleet Relocation and Sea Drone Strike Impact

Vice-Admiral Neizhpapa said that the enemy had moved most of their major combat-ready ships from the main base of the Black Sea Fleet due to extensive damage inflicted on Russian territory. He elaborated that these ships are now stationed in the Sea of Azov.

The Sevastopol military base has been crucial for various fleet functions, including soldier training, equipment and base repairs, and ammo storage. In April, the UK Ministry of Defence noted that focusing on Novorossiisk was likely the “best method of avoiding Ukrainian naval attack.”

He also mentioned that the logistics, maintenance, and weapons infrastructure had been developed to keep up with the new basing arrangements indefinitely.”

Ukraine lost the majority of its navy during the Crimean annexation in 2014. This has effectively targeted Russia’s naval fleet in the Black Sea using sea drones and American-made ATACMS missiles.

RQ-21A Blackjack drone (DVIDS)
RQ-21A Blackjack drone (DVIDS)

These attacks have resulted in significant damage to several Russian ships, including the Ivanovets corvette and the Sergei Kotov patrol ship. Additionally, Ukrainian sea drones targeted major infrastructure. An example of this is the Kerch Bridge, a critical link between mainland Russia and the Crimean peninsula. This incident also prompted President Vladimir Putin to enhance its defenses.

Despite Russia’s attempts in blockading Ukraine and damaging its economy, Ukrainian naval operations have helped maintain the flow of essential food supplies, particularly grain shipments, in the Black Sea.

Strategic Moves and Future Prospects

Hague Centre for Strategic Studies Strategic Analyst Frederik Mertens previously explained that targeting Crimea sets the stage for upcoming air strikes once it receives F-16 jets. “Crimea is vulnerable,” he stated, highlighting the limited maneuver space for Russian forces on the peninsula.