Russia appointed a new Navy commander, the former Black Sea Fleet chief, following significant Russian vessel losses to Ukraine in the Black Sea. In its intelligence update on Ukraine, the UK Defense Ministry says new chief Admiral Moiseyev is expected to prioritize stabilizing Black Sea security and improving the fleet’s combat capability.

“Following a series of significant Russian vessel losses in the Black Sea, on 10 March 2024, the Commander in Chief of the Russian Federation Navy, Admiral Nikolay Anatolyevich Yevmenov, was highly likely removed from the position and replaced by Northern Fleet commander, Admiral Aleksandr Alekseyevich Moiseyev,” the Ministry wrote.

This leadership shakeup follows a series of substantial vessel losses for Russia in the Black Sea at the hands of Ukrainian forces. Since the invasion began in February 2022, Russia has lost nine major naval vessels, including the recent sinking of the corvette Sergey Kotov on 5 March. Yevmenov’s dismissal also comes after the removal of the second Black Sea Fleet commander within this period.

“Although a career submariner, prior to his appointment as Northern Fleet Commander, Admiral Moiseyev held command of the Black Sea Fleet between 2018 and 2019. It is likely that Admiral Moiseyev’s first task as Commander in Chief of the Navy will be to stabilise the security situation in the Black Sea and implement changes designed to improve the Black Sea Fleet’s combat capability in the region,” the UK Defense Ministry says.

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