As of the early hours of 18 April 2025, the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov remain free of visible Russian naval presence, according to a report from the Ukrainian Navy. However, the threat from the sea has not fully disappeared. Three Russian naval vessels armed with Kalibr cruise missiles are currently deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. These vessels can collectively launch up to 26 missiles in a single volley, posing a continued long-range threat to Ukraine and regional security.
The Ukrainian Navy confirmed at 06:00 that no Russian warships were active in either the Black Sea or the Sea of Azov. Instead, attention has shifted to the Mediterranean, where the presence of missile carriers signals a strategic adjustment by the Russian military, potentially aimed at targeting Ukraine from more remote waters.
During the past 24 hours, the Russian Federation also conducted maritime manoeuvres involving the Kerch Strait. A total of six ships transited into the Black Sea from the Sea of Azov, two of which moved further towards the Bosporus Strait. One vessel entered the Sea of Azov, having passed from the Bosporus.
In clear violation of international maritime law, Russia continues to flout the International Convention for the Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), a 1974 treaty designed to ensure civilian shipping safety. Russian vessels persist in disabling their automatic identification systems, making their movements harder to track and increasing the danger to both military and civilian maritime operations in international waters.
Despite the absence of ships in the Black Sea, Ukrainian defence officials remain vigilant. Russia is reportedly preparing for new missile strikes on Ukraine during and after the Easter period. Ukrainian police have responded by increasing security around places of worship, patrolling churches, and inspecting public areas to ensure safety during the holiday.
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