Russia has appointed Admiral Alexander Moiseev as acting
commander-in-chief of the Russian navy, the Fontanka news outlet reported
on Sunday, 10 Mar, citing unidentified sources.
Reuters could not
immediately verify the Fontanka report which said that Moiseev, 61,
currently commander of the Northern Fleet, will soon be appointed as naval
commander-in-chief on a permanent basis.
Fontanka, a private
news service based in St Petersburg, did not mention any reason for the
appointment. It said the navy’s press service redirected its request for a
comment to the defense ministry which did not respond to a request for comment.
Admiral
Nikolai Yevmenov, navy commander-in-chief since May 2019,
is still listed in that role on the defense ministry’s website.
Ukraine has in recent months stepped up attacks in
the Black Sea and on Crimea, which Russia annexed in 2014.
Kyiv has reported a
series of strikes, including the sinking of a large landing
ship by naval drones
in mid-February and a patrol ship this week. Russia has not acknowledged any such losses.