Russia's Black Sea Fleet is not yet defeated

Significance Despite not possessing a functioning conventional navy of its own, Ukraine has deployed innovative tactics to strike Russia’s Black Sea Fleet with considerable success. Officials in Kyiv have claimed the attacks have dealt “a heavy blow to Moscow’s military capability”, while UK Defence Minister Grant Shapps described the Black Sea Fleet as “functionally inactive”. However, these statements are somewhat exaggerated as many key Russian capabilities in the Black Sea remain in place. Impacts The fleet should receive four more cruise missile-equipped surface vessels this year, boosting the threat to Ukrainian land targets. The loss of ageing amphibious ships will be overcome using other means of transportation, such as railways. Ukraine will continue to direct its sea-based exports along the so-called ‘humanitarian route’.