Secretive Maneuvers: Russia's Navy Ships Shifting to New Ports Revealed in Groundbreaking Satellite Imagery!

Recent satellite imagery suggests that Russia has shifted several naval vessels from Sevastopol in Crimea, following a string of attacks by Ukraine. In addition, Moscow has unveiled its intentions to establish a new base in a separatist area within Georgia. The imagery captured in the past few weeks indicates that approximately twelve ships, including frigates, landing ships, and submarines, are currently stationed in Novorossiysk, further to the east.

Some of the ships originated from Sevastopol, the base of the Black Sea Fleet, according to CNN's confirmation. However, further analysis of satellite images reveals that several military vessels are still present in that particular port. The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) observed that recent imagery from October 1 and 3 indicates that Russian forces relocated the Admiral Makarov and Admiral Essen frigates, three diesel submarines, five landing ships, and various small missile ships to Novorossiysk.

At least one other ship had been moved to the port of Feodosia in eastern Crimea.

An overview of Sevastopol. the home port of the Black Sea Fleet.

Maxar Technologies

Ukraine has launched a number of missile attacks on Sevastopol.

BlackSky

The ISW noted that satellite imagery taken on October 2 shows four Russian landing ships and one Kilo-class submarine remaining in Sevastopol.

Ukraine recently launched several missile attacks on Sevastopol, causing significant damage to important targets such as the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet. Moreover, at least two naval vessels in dry dock were also affected by another devastating strike. According to Dmytro Pletenchuk, a spokesperson for the Ukrainian Navy, the Black Sea Fleet's response to these attacks has been to constantly relocate their ships between different ports, recognizing that they are being targeted.

These three cities are Feodosia, Novorossiysk, and Sevastopol, although to a lesser extent due to the relatively lower security of this water area.

He mentioned the presence of Russian ships in the Sea of Azov. "While there is a slight alteration in the current scenario, the situation remains generally stable."

Pletenchuk said Wednesday that Russian ships were "constantly changing their anchorage, [and] not present in large numbers in the Black Sea.

He said four ships were currently in the Black Sea.

Russian "defense and security efforts around the Crimean Bridge have been further strengthened. Currently, there are a total of 9 units comprising of 4 ships and 5 boats from the Border Guard Service and the FSB maritime guard. These units are responsible for safeguarding the facility from both the north and the south."

Despite this, Pletenchuk emphasized that disregarding the significance of the Black Sea Fleet would be unwise. This fleet is a substantial force that has received significant investment in terms of time and money.

"Now it is evident that the Russians have altered their strategies to a greater extent, dispersing their units extensively to avoid potential attacks. Despite their apprehension, their aircraft persistently conduct operations within our territorial waters, from which we have successfully eliminated the presence of hostile warships."

As Many as a dozen ships now appear to be moored at Novorossiysk.

BlackSky

According to the Moscow-based Center for Analysis of Strategies and Technologies, the ships' movement was deemed normal. The Black Sea Fleet recently completed its customary maneuver from Sevastopol to Novorossiysk. This maneuver included all three operational submarines of Project 06363, both frigates of Project 11356, one patrol ship of Project 1135M, five large landing ships, and it seems that the majority of small missile ships have also been relocated to Novorossiysk.

The Center reported that several other vessels, including a large landing ship, two small missile ships, and both new minesweepers of Project 12700, have relocated from Sevastopol to Feodosia. Additionally, the leader of Abkhazia, a pro-Russian region on the Black Sea that declared independence from Georgia, has announced the establishment of a Russian military base on its coastline.

Aslan Bzhania announced the signing of an agreement for the establishment of a permanent Russian Navy base in the Ochamchira region. He emphasized that this initiative is intended to enhance the defense capabilities of both Russia and Abkhazia, highlighting the continued importance of such collaboration in ensuring the fundamental interests and prioritizing security for both countries.

Georgia said such actions "represent a gross violation of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia," according to Reuters.