Flagship fallout: Russian cruiser stuck, future uncertain
The latest satellite images have been analyzed, and they confirm that the Northern Fleet's flagship remains immobilized at the base in Severodvinsk. The Russians have not used it for two years, and no one knows what plans they have for the future.
According to analysts at Defense Express, the cruiser Pyotr Velikiy will likely never return to service. The ship is in poor technical condition, but despite long-standing rumors of it being written off as a loss, the Russians have not taken steps in that direction, possibly due to propaganda reasons.
Pyotr Velikiy immobilized at the base in Severodvinsk
OSINT analyst (open-source intelligence) MT_Anderson published satellite images of the naval base in Severodvinsk from March 11, 2025. Comparing them with images from two years ago, it's clear that the position of the cruiser, Pyotr Velikiy, has remained unchanged.
Defense Express reported that the image reveals Pyotr Velikiy remains docked at the quay in Severodvinsk, with no apparent changes to the ship’s status upon initial observation.
Problematic Russian ships
Experts suggest that the Russian Navy's command has postponed the final decision on the fate of the cruiser Pyotr Velikiy until the return to service of the cruiser Admiral Nakhimov. This process has been ongoing for almost 30 years.
In July 2023, after speculation arose regarding the potential decommissioning of Pyotr Velikiy, state-aligned media denied such intentions, asserting that the vessel remained within the Northern Fleet's combat fleet and was slated for repairs and upgrades. Nevertheless, the latest satellite imagery indicates no such work has been carried out.
The Russians have had a challenging experience with all four units of Project 1144. Two were decommissioned in the early 21st century, leaving Pyotr Velikiy and Admiral Nakhimov. Approximately five billion dollars have been allocated for the latter's repair, which likely discourages the modernization of Pyotr Velikiy.
The Project 1144 missile cruisers are about 827 feet long and over 92 feet wide. They can dispense more than 27,500 tons, and their arsenal includes P-700 Granit anti-ship and anti-aircraft missiles, torpedoes, and depth charges. Various caliber guns are also mounted on their decks.
