Read previewRussia's Black Sea Fleet has taken a beating from Ukraine over the course of the war, but Western intelligence suggests that Moscow still maintains the ability to conduct naval operations in the region.
"This latest Ukrainian success highlights the continuing vulnerability of Russian warships operating in the Black Sea," Britain's defense ministry said.
"It will highly likely have an impact on the Black Sea Fleet's command and control elements, probably forcing them to re-evaluate their maneuverability near Western Crimea."
Defense Intelligence of UkraineBritain's defense ministry, however, cautioned that "the Russian Navy is almost certainly still able to conduct its three main tasks in the Black Sea: long-range strike, patrol, and support."
"There is no place for the russian fleet in Ukrainian Crimea," it said.
Persons:
—, Grant Shapps
Organizations:
Service, Business, Defense Intelligence, Russian Navy, Black Sea Fleet, Moscow, UK
Locations:
Ukraine, Moscow, Russian, Crimean, Crimea, Sevastopol, Novorossiysk, Ukrainian Crimea