Russia withdraws ships from Black Sea as UK warns of sea mines being used against civilians

Declassified intelligence has prompted fears over an ugly new tactic being deployed after Russia was caught in a quiet retreat.

Russia has faced a significant setback in Crimea after being forced to withdraw a major portion of its Black Sea Fleet from its main base in Crimea.

The crucial development came as the UK government warned Moscow could be planning to attack civilian ships in the regions with sea mines, citing a declassified intelligence document.

The retreat, picked up by Western officials using satellite images this week, is suspected to have come due to increased Ukrainian missile and drone strikes that challenge Moscow’s control over the region.

Naval experts confirmed the movement of several powerful Russian vessels, including three attack submarines and two frigates, from Sevastopol to other ports in Russia and Crimea for better protection.

The withdrawal is a significant setback for Russian President Vladimir Putin, who has now had his grip loosened after annexing Crimea in 2014 as part of his sprawling plan to gain control over Ukraine.

Recent Ukrainian strikes have severely damaged Russian vessels and the fleet’s headquarters, leaving military commanders with tough decisions to make as Moscow continues its territorial push.

However, while Russia’s immediate military impact has been limited, the ships can still fire cruise missiles at civilian infrastructure.

Russia has faced a significant setback in Crimea after being forced to withdraw a major portion of its Black Sea Fleet from its main base in Crimea.

Ukraine’s strikes have disrupted the fleet’s blockade of Ukrainian ports, denying Russia access to parts of the Black Sea and enabling Kyiv to transport vital grain shipments.

But now, there are fears Russia could target civilian shipping in the Black Sea by laying sea mines on the approaches to Ukrainian ports.

The UK government made the announcement on Wednesday, suggesting Ukraine could be blamed for the attacks on neutral vessels.

Last month, UK officials revealed Russian forces had targeted a civilian cargo ship in the region with “multiple missiles” but they were successfully intercepted by air defences.

There are fears Russia could target civilian shipping in the Black Sea by laying sea mines on the approaches to Ukrainian ports.

Citing declassified intelligence, officials said there was a risk of attack to cargo ships travelling through Ukraine’s ‘humanitarian corridor’ to deter Ukrainian grain exports.

Citing declassified intelligence, officials said there was a risk of attack to cargo ships travelling through Ukraine’s “humanitarian corridor” to deter Ukrainian grain exports.

“Russia’s pernicious targeting of civilian shipping in the Black Sea demonstrates Putin’s total disregard for civilian lives and the needs of the world’s most vulnerable,” said Foreign Secretary James Cleverly.

“The world is watching — and we see right through Russia’s cynical attempts to lay blame on Ukraine for their attacks.” Cleverly’s department said by releasing its assessment of intelligence reports, “the UK seeks to expose Russia’s tactics to deter any such incident from occurring”.

Russia’s retreat from the Black Sea is seen as a boost for Ukraine, which faces challenges in its counteroffensive against Russian occupying forces.

The relocation of Russia‘s heaviest ships also poses a logistic challenge and highlights the threat Ukraine is posing to crucial elements of the opposition’s war effort.

Declassified intelligence released today shows that Russia may use sea mines to target civilian shipping in the Black Sea.

Putin is stopping food getting to the world's most vulnerable.

The world is watching.

— James Cleverly🇬🇧 (@JamesCleverly) October 5, 2023

Russia withdrew from the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July.

Since then, Russian attacks have damaged 130 port infrastructure facilities and destroyed nearly 300,000 tonnes of grain — enough to feed more than one million people for a year.

On Wednesday, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak reaffirmed UK backing for Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky, urging wavering Western allies to maintain weapons supplies.

“If we give President Zelensky the tools, the Ukrainians will finish the job,” he told his ruling Conservative party’s annual conference in Manchester.

– with AFP