Putin replaces navy chief following Black Sea setbacks
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 Evmenov has led the Russian Navy since 2019 and seems to have been replaced by Alexander Moiseyev, the former commander of the Northern Fleet.
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