The Russian military has reportedly withdrawn its ships from the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk due to fears of a potential long-range missile strike by Ukrainian forces.
An Empty Port
OSINT analyst HI Sutton highlighted the move, noting that satellite images from September 14 reveal an empty port, suggesting the evacuation was recently completed.
According to Ziare European diplomatic sources informed Reuters that Kyiv has provided the United States and the United Kingdom with a list of Russian targets for potential long-range missile attacks.
This list includes command centers, fuel and armament depots, and troop concentrations. Ukraine is expected to utilize American ATACMS missiles as well as British Storm Shadow and French SCALP missiles. Notably, while Britain requires U.S. approval to deploy such missiles, France does not.
At Risk From Storm Shadow Missiles
The Institute for the Study of War (ISW) has identified several Russian regions, including Rostov, Voronezh, and Belgorod, as vulnerable to these potential attacks. A total of 245 military facilities in Russia could be targeted, although only 16 are airbases, with the remainder being brigade bases, command centers, and military factories.
According to The Times, Russia's naval assets in Novorossiysk, along with military airfields in the Krasnodar region and the Shaikovka airbase, are at risk from Storm Shadow missiles.
This evacuation marks the second relocation of the Black Sea Fleet since the conflict began. Previously, Russia had moved its fleet from Sevastopol to Krasnodar and Feodosia, following significant damage to its fleet in Crimea by Ukrainian forces.
The British Ministry of Defence reported that the Russian fleet's ability to patrol and blockade Ukrainian ports has been severely diminished, complicating Russia's strike capabilities against Ukraine.
As of September 15, Ukrainian naval forces reported 16 Russian ships, including seven armed with Kalibr cruise missiles, still present in the Black Sea. The Mediterranean has seen a reduction in Russian missile carriers, with five ships now stationed there.
