Ten Russian ships have suddenly left the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk in a highly unusual move that may be a response to a possible threat from Ukraine, naval experts and Britain’s Ministry of Defense say.

Where is the port of Novorossiysk?Photo: Google Maps

Among the missing are the largest amphibious assault ship in the Black Sea and three submarines, leaving only a few ships in the harbor that appear to be not in the range of Ukrainian drones, but in the range of naval drones.

Ten Russian ships and submarines suddenly left the port of Novorossiysk

What the British military says:

  • A group of at least ten ships of the Russian Black Sea Fleet (Black Sea Fleet) left the Novorossiysk naval base on Wednesday.
  • Given the type and number of ships going to sea at the same time, this activity is likely a dispersal of the fleet in response to the specific Novorossiysk threat that Russia believes it has identified.
  • The deployment hardly means preparations for launches of sea-based cruise missiles.
  • It is unlikely that the fleet will prepare for amphibious operations.
  • The Black Sea Fleet remains largely restrained by perceived threats from Ukraine and continues to prioritize force protection over offensive or patrol operations.

Possible explanations for this extremely unusual activity

Naval analyst HI Sutton also noted the exit, adding that it was a highly unusual development that could indicate ongoing operations.

Sources consulted by Naval News confirmed the fact of maneuvers. The group also includes the largest landing ship of the Black Sea “Petro Morgunov” (project 11711 of the “Ivan Gren” class).

It also housed all three modernized Kilo-class (Project 636.3) submarines that were present at the base. Analysis shows that other warships also withdrew, leaving only a few warships and support ships in port.

Novorossiysk port has not been so empty for at least several months.

One explanation could be that the mass departure could have been a training exercise to test the readiness of the crews.

Or perhaps a precaution against an impending threat.

Until now, the base was not in the range of Ukrainian drones. On the other hand, despite its distance from the Ukrainian-controlled coast, it is within the range of Ukrainian naval drones, Naval News also notes.

  • Link: The Ukrainians attacked the port of Novorossiysk from a marine drone. VIDEO of the explosion that the Russians say did not happen, and why it has “huge consequences” for Russia