RUSSIAN MILITARY BLOGGERS ARE ASKING: WHERE IS THE NAVY?
The growing success of Ukraine’s naval drone campaign is beginning to fuel frustration inside Russia itself.
Prominent Russian military bloggers are openly questioning why the Russian Navy is not escorting its own fuel convoys after Ukraine reportedly struck 36 vessels in less than a week, including shadow fleet tankers, cargo ships, ferries, and support vessels operating in the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
One Russian channel lamented:
“The huge structure called the Navy does not show itself in any way except through the Marines and Naval Aviation.”
The criticism highlights a growing reality for Russia.
Despite possessing one of the world’s largest navies, Russian warships have become increasingly reluctant to operate in areas where Ukraine’s long-range naval drones are active. The threat posed by uncrewed surface vessels has fundamentally changed the balance of power in the Black Sea.
Instead of escorting fuel shipments and commercial traffic, many Russian naval assets have been forced into a more defensive posture, staying farther from contested waters to avoid becoming targets themselves.
Ukraine’s strategy is paying dividends.
By systematically striking the shadow fleet, fuel tankers, ports, and logistics vessels, Ukraine is not only disrupting Russian supply lines—it is forcing Moscow to question whether it can adequately protect its own maritime lifeline.
For a navy that once dominated the Black Sea, the growing question from Russian voices is becoming increasingly uncomfortable:
If the fleet can’t protect the ships supplying the war, what exactly is it protecting?