The loss of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva is likely to force the Kremlin to review its maritime strategy in the Black Sea.
Moscow admits the Moskva sank in the Black Sea, while it was being towed back to port.
Ukraine claims it struck the Moskva with two cruise missiles, a claim rejected by the Kremlin.
The Pentagon refused to confirm nor deny either side’s claim.
The Moskva has been a crucial piece of Russia’s strategy in its unprovoked war against Ukraine.
It is the biggest wartime loss of a naval ship in more than 40 years. It’s sinking will impact military planning not just in Moscow, but around the world.
It’s loss is a serious blow both to Russia’s naval campaign, but also to its strategy in the Black Sea.
The UK Ministry of Defence says in an intelligence assessment that the Moskva was critical to Russia’s air defence strategy.
The Moskva was the command vessel.
“This incident means Russia has now suffered damage to two key naval assets since invading Ukraine, the first being Russia’s Alligator-class landing ship Saratov on 24 March.”
uk Ministry of Defence
“Both events will likely lead Russia to review its maritime posture in the Black Sea,” the ministry said.
Military analysts have speculated that the Moskva would have played an important role in any amphibious attack on Odesa, as it tries to take a stranglehold on Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea.
The Soviet-era Moskva was refitted to improve its capabilities and returned to operational status last year.
It played roles in Russia’s bombing of Syria in 2015, its invasion of Crimea in 2014, and its war with Georgia in 2008.
Russia has claimed that its crew of 510 individuals was safely evacuated.
