Ukraine Naval Campaign Forces Russian Patrol Ship to Flee Crimea

Ukraine's navy has indicated that Moscow's last patrol ship has left Russian-occupied Crimea, likely rebasing due to Kyiv's military efforts against the Black Sea peninsula. The shift follows significant Ukrainian damage to the Russian Black Sea Fleet using missiles and drones, despite Ukraine lacking major warships.

Ukraine's navy reported on Monday that Moscow's last naval patrol ship has left Russian-occupied Crimea, most likely to rebase elsewhere. This follows Kyiv's intensive military campaign targeting the Black Sea peninsula amid the ongoing Russian invasion. Despite lacking major warships, Ukraine has inflicted substantial damage on the Russian Black Sea Fleet using missiles and naval drones.

Vice-Admiral Oleksiy Neizhpapa, Ukraine's navy chief, mentioned earlier this month that Russia had been compelled to rebase nearly all its combat-ready warships from occupied Crimea. 'The last patrol ship of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation is bolting from our Crimea just now. Remember this day,' Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk announced on Facebook.

When asked if this was a permanent move, Pletenchuk told Reuters: 'Most likely, this is a transition between bases,' adding that Moscow does not usually send ships to the open sea without reason. He identified the vessel as Project 1135.

Moscow has not commented on Ukrainian assertions about advances in the Black Sea. Kyiv claims to have destroyed or damaged 27 Russian naval vessels, according to Neizhpapa. In May, Ukrainian authorities stated they destroyed the last Russian warship armed with cruise missiles stationed on the peninsula.

Moscow's challenges in the Black Sea coincide with Ukrainian ground troops facing difficulties across a broad front, particularly in the east. Last month, President Vladimir Putin informed navy leaders that Russia's fleet had undergone replenishment and modernisation efforts aimed at enhancing its combat stability and strength.

(With inputs from agencies.)