Yesterday I had an opportunity of lecturing the general inspector of the Israeli Ministry of Defense on the maritime aspects of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This rare chance allowed me to delve into the intricacies of the maritime arena and shed light on significant events that have unfolded over the past ten months. In particular, I focused on two major occurrences: the sinking of the cruiser Moskva, and the first  Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels’ attack on the Russian Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. This blog aims to provide a short analysis of these events.

The maritime aspect of any conflict plays a pivotal role in shaping the dynamics and outcomes of the overall war. With the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, the maritime arena has proven to be no exception. During my lecture, I presented the general inspector with a series of captivating events that have transpired in this domain, offering valuable insights into the strategies, tactics, and implications of naval warfare in this volatile region.

Sinking of the cruiser Moskva

One of the major incidents that captivated the audience was the sinking of the cruiser Moskva. This event had far-reaching consequences, both strategically and symbolically. By delving into the details of this incident, I emphasized the significance of naval capabilities and the vulnerabilities that exist even for well-equipped and formidable naval vessels. Exploring the factors that led to the cruiser’s sinking, such as smugness, saturation and tactical discipline, we gained a deeper understanding of the evolving nature of maritime warfare.

Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels’ attack

Another crucial event that I highlighted during my lecture was the Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels’ attack on the Russian Black Sea fleet in Sevastopol. This particular incident shed light on the increasing utilization of unmanned technologies in naval operations and the potential ramifications it holds for future conflicts. By analyzing this attack, we explored the advantages and challenges of unmanned systems, their effectiveness in a real-world scenario, and the implications for naval doctrines and strategies.

The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has provided a rich backdrop for exploring the maritime arena. Through my lecture to the general inspector of the Israeli Ministry of Defense, I had the privilege of shedding light on the captivating events that have unfolded in this domain. From the sinking of the cruiser Moskva to the Ukrainian unmanned surface vessels’ attack, each event offers valuable lessons and insights into the evolving nature of maritime warfare. By emphasizing the importance of learning from others, this lecture highlighted the need for military organizations to engage in knowledge exchange and adapt to the changing dynamics of modern conflicts.