Families of Russian officials stationed in Crimea are relocating from the annexed peninsula due to increasing Ukrainian attacks, according to Ukrainian intelligence. Ukraine has intensified its assault on Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014, using long-range Western missiles and naval drones to target Russian military infrastructure.
Andriy Yusov, spokesperson for Ukraine’s Main Intelligence Directorate (HUR), stated that Crimea remains a critical hub for Russian military logistics. However, the increased attacks have forced Russia to relocate part of its Black Sea Fleet to Novorossiysk in Russia’s Krasnodar Krai. This move is corroborated by multiple sources, including satellite images and statements from both American and Ukrainian officials.
Recent satellite images indicate a significant reduction in the number of Russian ships in Sevastopol, Crimea’s main naval base, with many vessels moving to Novorossiysk and other ports. The shift follows the damage caused by Ukrainian naval drone attacks, which have proven highly effective against the Russian fleet. Ukraine’s use of the Magura V5 maritime drones has been particularly impactful, reportedly causing significant financial damage to the Russian fleet.
Despite these relocations, some Russian warships remain in Sevastopol, as evidenced by the Kremlin’s recent claims of destroying several Ukrainian naval drones. However, the overall trend shows a continuous decrease in the Russian naval presence in Crimea.
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