Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, during a meeting with the command of the Naval Forces, stated that Russia has lost the Black Sea. The head of state emphasized that the Ukrainian Navy has accomplished tasks that many previously considered impossible.
The initiative has passed to Ukraine
In his address, Zelenskyy noted that the actions of Ukrainian military personnel, starting from the liberation of Snake Island and ending with strikes on ports and occupation forces in Crimea, have proven that the Black and Azov Seas are no longer a safe zone for the Russian fleet. The President stated that Ukraine has regained the initiative and brought the war "back to Russian land, into Russian skies, onto Russian shores".
"Every pure heart in the world expects only one thing from Ukraine — that we will overcome this Russian scum," Zelenskyy declared.
Scheme of Black Sea Fleet losses
At the meeting, held on the eve of the Ukrainian Navy Day, a scheme reflecting the losses of the Russian Black Sea Fleet was presented. It shows the main warships, amphibious and auxiliary fleet, as well as the extent of their damage. Photos of the scheme appeared in the Telegram channel of Defense Ministry advisor Serhiy Sterenko.
New academy in Odesa
Zelenskyy announced the creation of a new Naval Forces Academy in Odesa. "I know that there is such a need of our Navy, there is the corresponding ability and, most importantly, the desire of our cadets, our youth to serve Ukraine and defend Ukraine. We will definitely implement all our tasks," the president said.
During the event, he also presented the battle flag and "For Courage and Bravery" ribbons to individual units of the Navy.
Development of sea drones and Russia's reaction
Earlier, the commander of the GUR MO unit with the callsign "Ninth" reported that Ukraine is developing a new system of sea drones capable of not only destroying but also detaining sanctioned vessels in the Black Sea. According to the British Ministry of Defense, Russia has begun equipping its submarines with protective cages to defend against drones.
In June, the "ATESH" intelligence network reported that Russia plans to evacuate the command of the Black Sea Fleet from Sevastopol. Officers are already moving their families to Novorossiysk without waiting for an official order.
