The Ukrainian partisan movement, Atesh, has revealed a significant number of abandoned Russian military vehicles on the outskirts of Sevastopol, Crimea, drawing attention to what they claim to be a storage site for Moscow’s Black Sea Fleet. The images showcase a fleet of old and damaged military vehicles that have been left unsecured and exposed to the elements, raising questions about the operational capability of Russia’s naval forces.
The Black Sea Fleet is crucial for Russia, tasked with operations across the Black Sea, Mediterranean, and adjacent waters. Throughout the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, it has played a pivotal role, particularly noted for its involvement in missile strikes. However, the fleet has not been without its losses, including the notable sinking of its flagship, the Moskva, in 2022.
Atesh’s documentation of the condition of these vehicles suggests that Russia is grappling with significant logistical challenges, including shortages of spare parts and issues surrounding repairs. The organization emphasized that these difficulties indicate a marked decline in both mobility and combat readiness within Russian forces.
Atesh, meaning “fire” in Crimean Tatar, was established in 2022 and comprises a coalition of Ukrainians, Crimean Tatars, and some Russians. The group primarily operates in Crimea and other regions controlled by Russia, conducting various forms of resistance against the occupying forces. Recent claims include the destruction of a Russian vehicle used for electronic warfare in southern Ukraine and sabotage efforts targeting Russian military infrastructure.
These updates from Sevastopol come on the heels of recent imagery showing modifications to a captured Ukrainian M2 Bradley infantry fighting vehicle by Russian forces. Reports indicate that Ukraine has lost over 170 Bradleys since the conflict’s inception, many having fallen into enemy hands. The overall loss of military vehicles for Ukraine has surpassed 5,000, while estimations from UK Defence Intelligence indicate that Russia has lost over 16,000 armored vehicles since the onset of its full-scale invasion.
This situation highlights not only the dire state of military resources but also points to a broader strategic struggle within the Russian military amid continued hostilities in the region. Atesh remains vigilant, claiming to monitor Russian military movements and further indicating a growing resistance within occupied territories.
