Russia's Massive Naval Problem

It’s no secret that things haven’t been going well for Russia. From crushing sanctions to staggering military casualties, Putin’s invasion of Ukraine has backfired in a host of unexpected ways. It has also highlighted profound weaknesses in Russia’s military capabilities, exposing them as aging, corrupt, and poorly led. Nowhere is this more true than at sea.

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Russia’s current fleet of 58 submarines have long been considered among the most powerful in the world and while they haven’t been a factor in Ukraine, they are still considered a “critical threat” by the US military.

However, their power may not last forever. Recent reports suggest that Russia’s submarine capabilities are being seriously harmed by the backlash to its invasion, especially through the crippling effect of Western sanctions.