Russia Concentrates 'Overwhelming' Naval Force Around Ukraine, Mediterranean

As Russian troops begin to pour into the two breakaway regions in eastern Ukraine, reports emerge that Kremlin has completed the military build-up in the Black Sea.

Besides landing crafts, warships and submarines deployed in the waters that border Ukraine, the "overwhelming" Naval armada extends to the Mediterranean too as an outer layer of defense, reports Naval News.

The report added that though more warships may arrive in the coming days, the core is already in place with key naval assets deployed in positions near Ukraine.

Russia's Black Sea Fleet now is bigger as more vessels have joined in from the Arctic, Baltic, Pacific and Caspian flotillas. This includes the six landing crafts, which are normally based in the Arctic and Baltic Seas.

Though Kremlin has militarized the Sea of Azov with missile corvettes and landing ships, analysts think this might just be a "diversion" or "minor force." The main force is stationed around the Black Sea, posing a threat to Ukraine’s southern port city of Odessa.

However, the report added that the fact that there aren't many landing ships hints that this isn't the "primary means of invasion" but as a "complement" to the attacks. Analysts think the landing ships were seen carrying tanks, that may be used to provide "strategic reinforcements as a land-invasion progresses."

On the west of Crimea near the Ukrainian coast, Russia has positioned frigates and other combatants. Slava Class cruiser Moskva , the largest surface combatant, too is currently in the Black Sea. This impressive warship is armed with powerful P-1000 Vulkan long-ranged supersonic anti-ship missiles and S-300F air-defense missiles that can penetrate Ukrainian airspace in areas not covered by land troops. The surface combatants are complemented by 4 improved kilo class submarines, the report added.

As for the Mediterranean, Russia has lined up warships, submarines, and aircraft, aimed at tying up significant NATO forces. They also threaten NATO aircraft carriers. Two Slava class cruisers and Kilo Class submarines have been deployed here.

According to the Naval News, though Russia initially attributed the build-up to drills, many observers still believe this is a build-up towards invasion.

The presence of fleet auxiliaries too hints at invasion. Two repair ships have been deployed on either side of Crimea to perform urgent repairs on the high seas. The report added that this is not a capability normally needed during drills.