In the war of aggression against Ukraine, Russia has suffered heavy losses in the Black Sea in recent weeks. Now ruler Vladimir Putin has apparently drawn the consequences: according to reports, he has fired the commander of the Black Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Sokolov.
According to Russian military bloggers, Sokolov was replaced by Vice Admiral Sergei Pinchuk, previously chief of staff of the fleet. The admiral’s brother reportedly confirmed the removal from the Defense Ministry. The reason for this may be the recent setbacks off the Ukrainian coast. Just on Wednesday, a naval drone attack sank a large Russian landing ship near the Crimean peninsula, and a missile ship was destroyed in early February.
Every fifth ship in the fleet was lost
According to influential Russian war propagandist Roman Saponkov, Admiral Sokolov bears direct responsibility for the losses. He banned the installation of technologically advanced equipment for detecting maritime drones on ships of the Black Sea Fleet, saying they did not meet the standard. As a result, the fleet lost about twenty percent of its strength under Sokolow’s command, which he had held since 2022.
The Russian fleet has been significantly weakened by Ukrainian attacks. According to the Ukrainian Navy, at the start of the invasion almost two years ago, Russia’s Black Sea Fleet numbered nearly 80 warships, of which about 35 were “heavily armed.” By February 15, 26 ships had been destroyed and another 15 seriously damaged.
The fleet’s vulnerability is also evident from the fact that the rocket ship ‘Caesar Kunikov’ was sunk on February 14 – the same day its namesake, a Soviet officer, was killed in 1943. Military experts rule out coincidence.
Kiev has already declared the admiral dead
The news that Sokolov has now been relieved of his post is also remarkable because the admiral is said to have been assassinated in September 2023. According to information from Kiev, he was killed in a rocket attack on the headquarters of the Black Sea Fleet. Even when he subsequently appeared on Russian TV, doubts remained. Now it should be clear: Sokolow is still alive, but has lost his job.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
