NewsPutin replaces navy chief following Black Sea setbacks

Putin replaces navy chief following Black Sea setbacks

Putin dismissed the commander of the Russian Federation's Navy, Admiral Nikolay Yevmenov.

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6:43 AM EDT, March 12, 2024

According to the Financial Times, which bases its information on statements from two Ukrainian officials, Putin relieved Admiral Nikolai Evmenov of his duties. Evmenov has led the Russian Navy since 2019 and seems to have been replaced by Alexander Moiseyev, the former commander of the Northern Fleet.

Dmitry Peskov, a Kremlin spokesperson, declined to elaborate on this development, citing the classified status of the decrees involved in this decision. He confirmed on Monday that no public decrees had been issued regarding this matter.

Russia's Setback in the Black Sea

Recent reports indicate Kyiv has managed to push back Russian naval forces in the Black Sea. Last week, the British Ministry of Defence highlighted that the Russian Black Sea Fleet has faced significant losses, with three ships destroyed in just five weeks. These Ukrainian assaults have notably hampered the fleet's operational freedom in the region.

Furthermore, Ukrainian military intelligence (HUR) has claimed responsibility for sinking the Russian patrol ship Sergei Kotov of the Bykov class. The British Ministry of Defence acknowledges this as the fleet's third loss in a similar timeframe. "The dismissal of Admiral Viktor Sokolov as commander of the Black Sea Fleet on February 15th is likely a consequence of these naval losses," stated the report.

Source: Financial Times, PAP