The Russian fleet in the Black and Azov seas is not as active as it was last winter. Perhaps the occupiers are waiting for more frost.
Why Russia is not so active in the sea this winter
Last December, they were a little more active at sea. But they can simply accumulate this potential and use it even from the distance to which they have now been pushed. The Kalibr missiles can be launched from a sea base at a distance of up to 2,500 kilometres, said Natalia Humenyuk, the head of the Joint Coordination Center of the Southern Defence Forces.
However, Humenyuk emphasised that the threat remains, as the missile carriers are equipped and can be used.
It is likely that they are expecting more frost, the spokeswoman suggests.
She also added that as of the morning of December 17, there are no missile carriers in the Black and Azov seas, they have not been on combat duty for several weeks.
Moreover, the enemy ships are quite significantly pressed against historical Russia, against those shores that stretch to Novorossiya. They don't dare to go to the area they used to patrol, further north and west, Humeniuk said.
Russian blockade of the sea
It is worth noting that Russia uses the Black and Azov seas for its military purposes. Currently, the Sea of Azov is completely under the control of Russia.
Russia's dominance in the Black Sea has diminished since the liberation of Zmeinyi Island. After Moscow withdrew from the grain deal, civilian shipping was once again threatened. However, in recent months, the Russian blockade of the Black Sea has been broken. Civilian ships carrying Ukrainian grain have started to leave the ports of Odesa region.
Recently, the Russians launched a missile attack on a ship that was entering the port of Odesa region. It is known that the occupiers launched an X-31P anti-radar missile. The Liberian-flagged vessel was a civilian ship heading to the Ukrainian port for loading. It was supposed to deliver iron ore to China.
