In a significant strategic shift, the Ukrainian Navy has successfully countered the Russian blockade in the Black Sea, leading to a considerable retreat of Russian forces. Since July 2023, Ukraine has exported 53 million tonnes of grain and raw materials from the ports in the Odessa region and the Danube, despite the ongoing conflict. This achievement is a testament to the resilience and tactical prowess of the Ukrainian military, which has targeted Russian fleet ships with missile strikes and naval drone attacks, forcing them to withdraw.
The Ukrainian Navy's efforts have rendered a third of the Russian Black Sea Fleet inoperable, according to Dmytro Pletenchuk, spokesman for the Ukrainian Navy. The destruction of the missile ship 'Askold' was a pivotal moment, prompting Russia to withdraw six more units from Sevastopol in Crimea. As a result, the Russian Navy has relocated its base to Novorossiysk, east of the Kerch Strait, which leads from the Black Sea to the Sea of Azov.
Despite these setbacks, Russia continues to disrupt operations in Ukrainian waters. The Russian military has fired on port infrastructure, attempted to mine the area, and dominated the skies with aviation. However, the Ukrainian military remains steadfast in securing its territorial waters and repelling air attacks.
The grain corridor, which was previously agreed upon for the export of Ukrainian grain via the Black Sea, now runs through the territorial waters of NATO states such as Romania, Bulgaria, and Turkey. These areas are off-limits to Russian forces, preventing them from directly confronting NATO. Nonetheless, Russia continues to use ports in the Sea of Azov to transport goods from occupied territories, primarily via Mariupol.
- The ongoing conflict has seen the Ukrainian military recapture more than 25,000 square kilometers of sea territory. This territorial gain is crucial for maintaining the grain export corridor and ensuring the flow of essential goods.
- The Russian Navy's relocation to Novorossiysk and the Sea of Azov is seen as a strategic move to protect its remaining fleet from Ukrainian drone and missile attacks. The Kerch Strait serves as a natural barrier, making it more challenging for Ukrainian forces to target Russian ships.
- In addition to the Black Sea operations, the Russian Navy has also commenced exercises in the Pacific, involving around 40 ships and boats, as well as 20 aircraft and helicopters. These maneuvers are taking place in the waters of the Pacific, the Sea of Japan, and the Sea of Okhotsk, coinciding with Kremlin chief Vladimir Putin's state visit to North Korea.
