British Ministry of Defense: russia withdrew ships from Novorossiysk due to the threat of attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine

The russians withdrew the ships of the Black Sea Fleet from Novorossiysk. They are afraid of possible attacks by the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

Since January 11, a group of ships of the Black Sea Fleet, consisting of at least 10 ships, left the naval complex in Novorossiysk. According to British intelligence, given the type and number of ships going to sea at the same time, this is probably a dispersal of the fleet.

The British assume that the russians see a threat to Novorossiysk from the Armed Forces, which could strike. It is unlikely that the deployment of the ships means preparations for a massive missile strike or amphibious operations from the sea.

The Black Sea Fleet remains largely focused on perceived threats from Ukraine and continues to prioritize force protection over offensive or patrol operations, the report concluded.

Earlier, the USM reported that ships and submarines of the russian navy had left the base in Novorossiysk en masse. In particular, russia withdrew the largest amphibious ship of the Black Sea Fleet “Pyotr Morgunov” and three submarines of the Improved-Kilo class.