Russian forces currently have no naval vessels deployed in either the Black Sea or the Sea of Azov, and most of the functions previously performed by Russia's Black Sea Fleet are now being carried out by naval aviation.
This was stated by Dmytro Pletenchuk, Spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, during a television broadcast, according to an Ukrinform correspondent.
"The Russians are not keeping a single vessel at sea – neither in the Sea of Azov nor in the Black Sea. In fact, over the past several months, simply putting to sea has become something of a luxury for them," Pletenchuk said.
According to him, Russia's Black Sea Fleet is no longer performing the functions for which it was originally intended. At the same time, Russia still has a cruise missile carrier, which it deploys once or twice a month.
The Navy Spokesperson also stressed that Russia's naval aviation remains a significant force. However, he expressed hope that cutting off logistics to the temporarily occupied Crimea, where these aircraft are based, would eventually reduce their operational activity.
