Russian Fleet Trapped in Novorossiysk: How the Kremlin Outplayed Itself

Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk said the Russian fleet in Novorossiysk is trapped: ships have no safe places to dock or be serviced, and going to sea is dangerous due to Ukrainian drones and missiles. Over the past month, three attacks on Ukraine were launched from there. Ukraine will continue strikes on Kalibr carriers.

Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk said the Russian Black Sea Fleet in Novorossiysk is trapped. According to him, Russian ships have no safe places for prolonged stays or maintenance: docking in a dry dock or at a pier makes them vulnerable to Ukrainian strikes, while going to sea risks attacks from drones and Neptune missiles. Pletenchuk noted that over the past month, three attacks on Ukrainian territory were launched from Novorossiysk, and Ukrainian forces intend to continue striking Kalibr missile carriers. Novorossiysk remains strategically important to Ukraine because Russia uses its infrastructure for basing and attacks. Earlier reports said the operation against targets in Novorossiysk was carefully prepared. It is also mentioned that Putin's support is declining ahead of elections.