Defeat of the Russian fleet: the consequences of the Ukrainian attack on Sevastopol

The Ukrainian attack on the ship Kommuna on Sunday 21 April could have serious consequences for Russian operations in the Black Sea. The over one hundred year old vessel, in the service of the Moscow navy since 1915, is in fact the only one specialized in rescue of the crews of sunken submarines thanks to its fleet of remote-controlled robots and “mini-submarines” capable of reaching depths of a thousand meters. The extent of the damage suffered by the vessel is not yet known, but the fact that it was put out of action could have important consequences for psychological level.

Kiev’s maritime campaign caused serious damage to the Kremlin’s naval forces. Drones he missiles have transformed the waters west of Crimea into a death trap and forced the Federation command to order the transfer of most of the surviving boats to the east, to the port of Novorossysk. The only vessels capable of sailing in relative safety are class submarines Kilo, which remain submerged and launch Klibr missiles against Ukrainian cities. The crews of these steel hulls will now have to venture into enemy waters without the support of the only capable vessel save them in case they were to sink.

Many believe that the Kommuna has reached the end of his long career. If she also needs to be repaired, she will be paralyzed for months. It is probable, therefore, that we will see a further reduction in the operations of Moscow’s forces in the Black Sea, at a crucial moment in which the Ukrainians are forced onto defensive from the lack of ammunition and the Russians managed to resume theinitiative along the entire front. Furthermore, the fleet will not receive reinforcements because the Turks do not allow the passage of vessels from belligerent countries from the Bosphorus.

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The Ukrainians have therefore managed to remove a fundamental piece of Vladimir Putin’s strategy from the equation. This success will help reduce pressure on the population centers of the invaded nation, hammered by constant missile and drone bombing, but it will not be enough to reverse the situation.

The relief package approved by the House of Representatives USA It will provide defenders with vital support, particularly with regards to anti-aircraft defense systems, but if the Russians continue to attack relentlessly the funds allocated by Washington will quickly run out. 2024 looks increasingly like thedecisive year for the fate of this conflict