Once a stronghold for Russia’s naval dominance, the waters are now a dangerous zone filled with risks.
Advanced Western technology, coupled with Ukraine’s determination, has made the region increasingly hostile for Russian operations, according to Digi24.
Today, only one Russian Kilo-class submarine, known for its stealth and power, remains stationed in the Black Sea.
This development has raised questions about Moscow’s naval strategy and the challenges it faces in maintaining its presence there.
Safeguarding Russian Interests
The Kilo-class submarines, or "Varshavyanka" in Russian, were designed to operate in shallow waters like the Black Sea.
Their reputation as “black holes in the ocean” comes from their exceptional stealth capabilities. These submarines can carry torpedoes and Kalibr cruise missiles, which are capable of striking targets hundreds of miles away.
Yet in the confined waters of the Black Sea, their stealth advantage is diminished. Ukraine, with support from Western allies, has deployed advanced reconnaissance drones, sensor networks, and anti-ship missiles like the Harpoon and Brimstone.
These technologies make it easier to detect and neutralize Russian submarines.
The decision to keep only one Kilo-class submarine in the region reflects both strategic caution and operational necessity.
Operating more submarines would increase the risk of losses in a geographically closed zone that is heavily monitored by Western satellites and intelligence.
Additionally, damage to key infrastructure in Crimea, including naval bases in Sevastopol, has made maintaining and repairing these vessels more difficult.
Instead, Russia has likely redeployed its remaining submarines to the Mediterranean, where the threat level is lower and operational flexibility is higher.
This shift also aligns with Moscow’s broader strategic goals, particularly in Syria, where Russian forces are under pressure to support the Assad regime against advancing rebel groups.
