Why Black Sea losses do not measure every Russian fleet

In this November 2024 assessment, Russia's Black Sea performance is an unreliable guide to every other Russian fleet. Its problems are attributed to assumptions about a quick war and inadequate preparation for shore-based anti-ship missiles. Moskva is contrasted with the more extensively modernized Marshal Ustinov in the Northern Fleet and with Varyag in the Pacific. Older missiles are still judged dangerous, while the ability to launch land-attack strikes shows that ships can remain a threat from protected positions. Restrictions on close coastal operations are distinguished from political and strategic reasons for avoiding a complete distant blockade.