Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has claimed that the Russian fleet is no longer capable of operating in the western part of the Black Sea and is „gradually fleeing” from Crimea.
“As of now, we have not yet achieved full fire control over Crimea and its adjacent waters. But we will. It’s just a matter of time,” he added.
However, the situation remains unclear, with Russia’s Ministry of Defence also reporting the destruction of three Ukrainian boats in the Black Sea, marking the latest in a series of attacks crucial to Russia’s offensive against Kyiv.
Zelenskyy stated that there are no safe bases or reliable logistical routes for the Russian military in Crimea and the Black Sea and Azov coast under Russian control, and emphasised the importance of maintaining and increasing pressure on the occupier, urging them not to stop halfway.
Russian authorities have not commented on Zelenskyy’s claims, but Governor Mikhail Razvozhaev of Sevastopol reported loud sounds from the outer harbour from the Black Sea Fleet, repelling a possible attack by underwater sabotage forces and enemy assets. British intelligence reported that Ukraine’s military increased attacks against the Russian naval fleet in the occupied Crimean Peninsula, causing more destruction.
„These attacks have been more damaging and more coordinated than thus far,” said the UK’s Ministry of Defence.
