Vessels including three Kilo-class submarines and missile frigates have been withdrawn from the primary base in Sevastopol, with some relocated to Novorossiysk and others to Feodosia in Crimea, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Western officials and satellite imagery have confirmed these strategic moves, interpreted by some analysts as a response designed to afford the fleet enhanced protection.
Accoding to the WSJ, the shift represents a notable setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, particularly following Ukrainian strikes that led to the destruction of two Russian ships and damage to the Black Sea Fleet headquarters.
UK Defense Minister James Heappey described the fleet's dispersal as a "functional failure" during the Warsaw Security Forum conference this week, though experts believe Russia retains missile-launch capabilities from the Black Sea.
(jh/gs)
Source: PAP
