The class's most concrete combat-related episode came after one ship had already been laid up. Work on Ochakov stopped after years of inactivity, and the cruiser was being prepared for disposal. In 2014 it was still available to be sunk as a blockship in the channel to Donuzlav Lake, preventing Ukrainian naval units from escaping toward the Black Sea. The episode turns an obsolete hull into a striking example of geography, improvisation, and sea denial.
Notable Point · 51:12-52:36
Ochakov's final role as a Sevastopol blockship in 2014
Long after active service, the Kara-class cruiser Ochakov was sunk across a channel in 2014 to help confine Ukrainian warships at Sevastopol.