Russia has amassed a naval force “much larger” than its traditional fleet in the Black Sea, where warships are blockading Ukrainian ports, sinking cargo ships and shelling cities.
Cruisers, frigates, missile corvettes and amphibious landing ships capable of carrying thousands of troops have been operating off southern Ukraine.
Analysts monitoring the situation estimate that more than 30 Russian vessels are active, with some sent from the Arctic and Baltic regions before the invasion three weeks ago. This includes an auxiliary force of intelligence-gathering ships, repair vessels, tugs and minesweepers, though the number continues to change.
The large presence of major combat ships is said to be posturing for an amphibious attack on Odesa, the headquarters of the Ukrainian navy.
The Pentagon noted “a change in
