Enlarge image
The Russian flagship Moskva sank in April under unclear circumstances
Photo: Can Merey / dpa
Russia claims to be a world power at sea too.
Now the Kremlin's navy is apparently having trouble controlling the Black Sea from the sea.
This is reported by the UK Ministry of Defense.
The Russian ships are therefore only partially able to effectively support Moscow's invasion efforts in Ukraine.
Patrols are limited to the waters around Crimea, London said in the daily intelligence update.
This is in contrast to Russian sea activity in other areas.
The Black Sea Fleet uses long-range missiles to support ground offensives, but is otherwise rather defensive.
This is also due to the loss of the flagship "Moskva", many fighter planes and control of Snake Island.
No more danger for Odessa
The fleet's restrictions undermined Russia's invasion strategy, it said.
The danger of Russian troops landing in the Ukrainian port of Odessa from the sea has largely been averted.
“This means Ukraine can move resources to put pressure on Russian ground forces elsewhere,” the British concluded.
No port is required for a so-called amphibious landing of troops and material using special ships.
In April the pride of the Russian Navy, the Moskva, sank in the Black Sea.
Her sinking was a serious blow to the Russian army, especially since the Ukrainian military claims the cruiser was sunk with two Neptun anti-ship missiles.
It is therefore hardly surprising that Moscow is trying to portray the sinking of the warship as an accident.
There was a fire on board, allegedly caused by exploded ammunition, it said.
The ship then sank in stormy seas, the Ministry of Defense said on April 14.
According to meteorologists, the storm never happened.
svs/dpa