Russia appoints new Black Sea Fleet commander after Ukrainian attacks
AFP | Beijing, China
The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com
Russia yesterday named a new head of its troubled Black Sea Fleet following a spate of Ukrainian attacks on its military ships.
Kyiv claims to have destroyed a third of Russia’s vessels in the Black Sea since Moscow launched its offensive over two years ago, a major embarrassment and setback for Russia’s military even as its troops advance on the ground.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said President Vladimir Putin had issued a decree appointing vice-admiral Sergei Pinchuk as commander of the Black Sea Fleet.
The appointment comes as part of a wider shakeup of Russia’s navy, including the appointment of a new overall commander-in-chief, admiral Alexander Moiseyev.
“On one hand, I congratulate you, on the other I hope you understand the enormous responsibility that lies on your shoulders, and I hope that you will deal with the tasks which will be put before you,” Shoigu told the new fleet chiefs in a video message published by the defence ministry.
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