British Defence Intelligence Update Ukraine 26 February 2026
Latest from the British Defence Intelligence.
- At the onset of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia perceived its Black Sea Fleet as a prestigious, strategic, and historic symbol of its military power. However, four years of non-conventional, asymmetric focused Ukrainian resistance have left the Black Sea Fleet geographically constrained, with substantial materiel losses and a damaged reputation.
- Prior to February 2022, the Ukrainian Navy was heavily overmatched by the Black Sea Fleet and limited in its capability beyond patrolling Ukraine’s maritime border. However, since then, Ukrainian forces have destroyed or damaged at least 25 Russian Navy vessels operating in the Black Sea. This includes the flagship Slava-class MOSKVA, a “cutting-edge” air defence platform, in 2022, and the unprecedented December 2025 Ukrainian uncrewed underwater vehicle strike against Kilo-class SSGN KOLPINO, which resulted in significant damage to the submarine, leaving it unable to sail of its own accord or deploy.
- Russia’s Black Sea Fleet has been forced to abandon its historic homeport of Sevastopol for Novorossiysk, in the eastern Black Sea. It’s ability to project maritime power in the region and beyond has been severely constrained, as it is continuously compelled to adapt its tactics in a diminished operating environment.