Russia has moved a minimum of 10 vessels in its Black Sea Fleet away from its Novorossiysk naval base, for concern of a Ukrainian assault, the British Ministry of Defence writes in its newest intelligence replace on the struggle in Ukraine.
“Given the type and number of vessels putting to sea at the same time, the activity is likely a fleet dispersal in response to a specific threat to Novorossiysk that Russia believes it has identified,” the Ministry of Defence wrote on Twitter.
Novorossiysk is a port metropolis within the Krasnodar area on the Russian mainland.
The British ministry stated it was “unlikely” that the transfer was in preparation for Russian cruise missile strikes, and “highly unlikely” that the fleet was making ready for amphibious assault operations.
Russia’s Black Sea fleet “largely remains fixed by perceived threats from Ukraine, and continues to prioritise force protection over offensive or patrol operations,” the intelligence replace stated.
The British Ministry of Defence has been publishing updates on the struggle since Russia’s full-scale invasion started final February. The intention is to counter the Russian narrative. Moscow accuses London of a disinformation marketing campaign.
