Russia Has Upper Hand In Ground War But Not At Sea
Date
7/19/2024 5:15:26 AM
(MENAFN- Asia Times)
The past few days have marked a significant moment in the maritime war between Russia and Ukraine. On Monday, July 15, Ukraine's navy spokesman, Dmytro Pletenchuk, claimed :“The last patrol ship of the Black Sea fleet of the Russian Federation is bolting from our Crimea just now. Remember this day.”
This symbolic milestone is a reminder of Ukraine's consistent success on the maritime front of the war. While Kyiv's ground troops continue to struggle and cede ground at points along the battlefield, particularly in the east of Ukraine, it's a different story at sea.
Despite starting the war with a massive numerical advantage, Russia's Black Sea fleet has been unable to contribute to the war in any meaningful way. Moscow has lost control of the Black Sea , while even Crimea's ports – including Sevastopol, traditionally a symbol of Russia's power – can no longer be seen as safe bases for its warships.
A depleted Black Sea fleet
Ukraine does not have an operational navy – it has no major surface warships or submarines, and just a handful of small patrol boats. Yet Kyiv has developed a credible capability to destroy Russia's warships at long distances – as far away as Crimea – using missiles and maritime drones. It's an object lesson in the changing nature of maritime warfare and the growing power of asymmetric weapons – that is, weapons that cost much less to manufacture than the warships they are destroying.
MENAFN19072024000159011032ID1108458410
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.