1/ Black Sea OTMO, Day 124-148. The Russian blockade of Odesa has been severely degraded as UAF air, artillery, & UCAV pressure (notably the introduction of improved anti-ship missile capabilities like the Harpoon) has loosened the Russian grip on sea lanes of the NW Black Sea.
2/ The inability of VKS & SVRF air defense systems to provide an umbrella of protection from Snake Island for VMF vessels against Ukrainian air and maritime forces has also been a decisive factor in freeing the NW Black Sea of a VMF presence.
3/ The danger to VMF task forces in sustaining the Russian presence on Snake Island coupled with the cost of maintaining its defense proved too high for the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (VSRF).
4/ The VSRF decision to retreat from Snake Island is a clear strategic defeat for Russia, as the VMF is no longer able to reliably interdict the flow of logistical sea lift in the NW Black Sea going into and out of the port of Odesa.
5/ Russian maritime forces will continue to improve their defensive posture of the Crimean coast while increasing their reliance on SSK cruise missile strikes against Ukraine’s southern, central, and western economic infrastructure.
6/ I have made correction to yesterday’s graphics, they contained several typos. Please reference these versions, sorry of the confusion. Tomorrow’s update will focus on air operations.
Share this Scrolly Tale with your friends.
A Scrolly Tale is a new way to read Twitter threads with a more visually immersive experience.
Discover more beautiful Scrolly Tales like this.