Initiative on Ukraine's side: Navy spokesperson on Black Sea combat operations

Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk emphasizes that today Ukraine dictates its terms of warfare in the Black Sea

He said this on Espreso TV.

"Today it is quite difficult to predict what awaits us in the current year. We should not underestimate the existing naval assets of the enemy's Black Sea fleet. The enemy adapts to new challenges and reacts to them. Therefore, planning new operations to destroy the enemy fleet requires us to plan more in detail and coordinate," explained Pletenchuk.

According to the spokesperson of the Ukrainian Navy, today Ukraine has managed to seize the initiative in the Black Sea.

"In general, we can speak of a positive trend in our actions in the Black Sea. Specifically, it can be observed that the initiative is currently on our side. In this matter, initiative carries significant weight, as it provides the opportunity to dictate the terms of engagement. As of now, we are managing to do so, but we must continue working diligently. According to the commander of the Ukrainian Navy, every military-flagged vessel in the Black Sea is a legitimate target for us," he added.

• On the night of Tuesday, March 5, Ukrainian servicemen attacked Sergei Kotov, the patrol ship of the Russian Navy in the temporarily occupied Crimea. There are dead and wounded among the crew.
• Defence Express has reported on the details of the Russian ship Serhiy Kotov's destruction.
• In the US State Department, it is believed that Ukrainians have repeatedly demonstrated their ability to achieve victories on the battlefield, including having 'surprises in store' for the Russian fleet.
• Atesh guerrilla movement agents are monitoring the Black Sea Fleet facilities in Novorossiysk and have discovered a pier where the Russian invaders are repairing ships.