Official statements from the UN, NATO, EU, and other international organizations

Ukraine Forces Russia to Withdraw Black Sea Fleet from Crimea, First Time Since 19th Century

Jul 20, 2024, 04:36 PM

Ukraine has successfully forced Russia to withdraw its Black Sea Fleet from Crimea, marking a significant maritime victory. This development comes after Ukraine utilized maritime drones to repel the Russian naval forces, which were previously stationed in Sevastopol and other ports in Crimea. The retreat signifies a major shift in the naval power dynamics in the region, as Ukraine, without a traditional navy, managed to defeat one of the world's largest naval powers. This victory is seen as a critical step in Ukraine's broader efforts to reclaim occupied territories and could potentially lead to the liberation of Crimea. Notably, this is the first time since the 19th century that Russia has had to withdraw its fleet from Crimea.