Ukraine: Russia doubled number of ships in Black Sea, strikes possible
Ukraine’s military said Russia had doubled the number of ships on active duty in the Black Sea on Friday and predicted this could be a preparation for more missile strikes.
Russia’s navy has regularly launched missiles from its Black Sea Fleet as part of an effort by Moscow to target Ukrainian critical infrastructure and power-generating facilities.
READ: Ukrainians grieve and vow to fight on, a year after Russia invaded
“In the Black Sea, the fleet of warships has doubled compared to this morning – it is now eight ships,” the military command in the southern region said in a Facebook update.
“Against a background of enemy aviation activity of a certain kind, this may indicate that a missile attack, as well as drone strikes, are in preparation,” it said.
Article continues after this advertisementREAD: War in Ukraine drags into second year, Russia isolated in UN vote
Article continues after this advertisementOne of the vessels is a frigate armed with eight Kalibr missiles, it said. Last Saturday Ukraine said Russia launched four Kalibr missiles from the Black Sea, two of which were shot down.
Russia’s Black Sea Fleet is based in the Crimean peninsula, which Moscow annexed in 2014.
RELATED STORIES
February 24, 2022: the day Russia invaded Ukraine
Talks on extending Black Sea grain deal start in a week – Ukraine
Russia’s warship with hypersonic missiles arrives for drills with South Africa, China