Yusov on the withdrawal of Russian ships from the Black Sea: we cannot talk about a complete retreat, but Russian capabilities have decreased
Kyiv • UNN
Russia's capabilities in the Black Sea have been significantly reduced due to the withdrawal of its ships, which is a serious military and propaganda setback for Russia, as Ukraine is effectively destroying its Black Sea Fleet using naval strike drones.
A representative of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Andrey Yusov, said that it is not possible to say that Russian ships have completely withdrawn from the Black Sea, but that Russian capabilities have significantly decreased. The withdrawal of the ships is of military importance for Russia. Yusov said this during a telethon, UNN reports.
"We can't talk about a complete retreat now, but their capabilities and capacities have significantly decreased. This definitely matters militarily for Russia. It is of great importance in terms of propaganda, because the Black Sea Fleet is one of the jewels and key features of Russian propaganda. And now it turns out that Ukraine, which supposedly cannot resist the Black Sea Fleet, is effectively destroying it using the latest means, including naval strike drones. This is important for Ukraine, for the economy, for the safety of civilian shipping, for reducing the enemy's ability to use various weapons, including cruise missile carriers," Yusov said.
He added that if we talk about the rebuilding of ships by Russians, it is very long and very expensive.
"Even the repair of damaged vessels will take months or even years. Therefore, they cannot quickly restore the lost potential, and this is good news for us," Yusov added.
According to him, the occupiers are trying to counteract maritime drones by building sea fortifications and carrying out engineering work.
"We see every time after the successful use of Ukrainian maritime drones, in particular, the work of enemy aircraft and artillery. But this does not help, because after each operation, Ukrainian means and the work of Ukrainian operators are improved," the DIU representative added.
Recall
On Monday, July 15, the last patrol ship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet left the occupied Crimea.
