Russia’s naval formations in the Baltic Sea and the Pacific Ocean each have a new commander. According to the Interfax news agency, the former head of the Baltic Sea Fleet, Admiral Viktor Liina, is now in command of the Pacific Fleet. “The Deputy Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Vladimir Vorobyov, was appointed commander of the Baltic Fleet. The relevant documents have been signed,” Interfax reported, citing military circles.
The replacement of the previous head of the Pacific Fleet, Sergei Avakyants, was announced on Thursday. The news resonated, especially in relation to the timing: just a few days ago, the Pacific Fleet had embarked on a major unannounced manoeuvre. Although President Vladimir Putin praised the progress of the exercises in a meeting with Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu in the Kremlin, Avakyants was given a leave of absence before the end.
Officially, 65-year-old Awakjanz has been retired as he has reached retirement age. Independent media, on the other hand, pointed to the high losses that parts of the fleet under the leadership of Avakyants would have suffered in Ukraine. In the future, he will lead a military-sports and patriotic training team.
Russia has four fleets. The largest is the North Sea Fleet, which includes a heavy aircraft carrier and two missile cruisers. The second largest fleet is the Pacific Fleet, followed by the Black Sea and Baltic Fleets. Members of all four naval formations are also fighting in Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine – primarily as marines.