Russia is using four barges to protect its Black Sea fleet based at the port of Novorossiysk, following the relocation of many assets away from Crimea and Sevastopol after Ukrainian attacks. The British Defense Ministry reported that the barges are guarding the entrance to the base to defend against Ukrainian naval drones. This move comes after Ukraine successfully targeted Russian vessels using domestically produced drones, including destroying the Ivanovets corvette and the Caesar Kunikov landing ship.
Kyiv has also used Neptune anti-ship missiles and Western-provided air-launched cruise missiles to target Russian assets in the Black Sea, resulting in significant losses for Moscow. Ukrainian officials estimate that Russia has lost up to a third of its Black Sea fleet. To protect its operations, Russia has moved valuable assets to the Novorossiysk base and has reportedly considered establishing a new military base in Abkhazia, Georgia. Despite these setbacks, Russia remains dominant in most of the Black Sea, though its operations in the northwestern region closest to Ukraine have been compromised.
The U.K. government stated that Russia has likely confined most of its operations to the eastern Black Sea due to the increased risk of Ukrainian strikes in Sevastopol. Novorossiysk now plays a crucial role in sheltering Russia’s most valuable assets. Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu has ordered the installation of additional firepower, including machine-gun rifle systems, to destroy enemy drones. Decoys of expensive assets, such as painting vessels black to appear smaller, are being used to confuse Ukrainian drone operators.
Russia’s efforts to strengthen the defenses of its Black Sea fleet highlight the ongoing conflict with Ukraine and the challenges both sides face in the region. While Ukraine has successfully targeted Russian assets, Russia is adapting its strategies to protect its operations and assets in the Black Sea. Decoys and increased firepower are being utilized to repel enemy attacks, with a focus on enhancing survivability and combat effectiveness. The situation in the Black Sea continues to evolve as both Russia and Ukraine seek to maintain their military capabilities in the face of ongoing hostilities.
