On July 1, 2023, the russian Navy established a new Azov Naval District, headquartered in the temporarily occupied Ukrainian port city of Mariupol, the UK Defense Intelligence reports.
Subordinate to the Black Sea Fleet (BSF), the district will reportedly command eight warships including three modern, Karakurt class corvettes which can launch SS-N-30A Kalibr cruise missiles.
Read more: Ukraine’s Counteroffensive Makes russia Risk National Security to Continue the War
The Azov Sea is a vital maritime area for russia because it links its inland waterways to international maritime routes. In the context of the war, it also offers an alternative military resupply option should russia’s overland routes to the south of Ukraine be disrupted.
According to the UK Defense Intelligence, the Azov Naval District will likely focus on supporting logistical and counter-partisan tasks, freeing up the main BSF to concentrate on long range strike operations and projecting maritime power further abroad.
Read more: Russia Removes Senior Serving Officers Connected to Prigozhin Amidst Wagner Group Mutiny
