Ukraine: Russia's Black Sea Fleet struggling to defend southern flank, UK says

Russia's naval forces are struggling to deal with threats on their southern flank, according to the UK's Ministry of Defence (MOD). 

"In recent weeks, the naval aviation component of Russia's Black Sea Fleet has assumed a particularly important role in the fleet's operations as it struggles to deal with concurrent threats on the southern flank of the Ukraine war," it said in its latest defence intelligence update. 

The update said: "Naval aviation is emphasising maritime air patrol operations, highly likely with a primary mission of the early identification of uncrewed surface vessels.

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"A key Russian asset in these operations is the Be-12 MAIL amphibious aircraft, designed in the 1950s, flying out of bases in occupied Crimea.

"Su-24 Fencer and Flanker variant combat jets conduct maritime strike operations, including at least one recent air strike on the strategically located Snake Island.

"With more fleet activities likely relocating to Novorossiysk in the face of threats to Sevastopol, Russia is attempting to use naval air power to project force over the north-western Black Sea."

Over the past few weeks, Russia's Black Sea Fleet has suffered a series of major attacks, according to the MOD, although they still remain a threat, however.

Reportedly, Ukraine's special forces claimed that Moscow's top admiral in Crimea, along with 33 other officers, were killed in missile attacks last week.

According to the MOD, Russia has suffered heavy losses in terms of fixed-winged aircraft during the conflict.