A massive fleet of Russian warships and submarines has been mobilised, sparking fears of a fresh assault on Ukraine, it was revealed tonight.
At least six warships, including two huge land assault vessels laden with troops, make up the armada making ready for battle from the Black Sea.
Among them are the Pyotr Morgunov landing ship, which is the largest amphibious assault ship in the Black Sea and cruise missile- laden submarines.
It could signal a new operation, perhaps another attempt at attacking southern Ukraine, or even an attempt to form a land bridge with Moldova breakaway state Transdnistria.
Or experts also believe it may be Moscow is preparing to protect its fleet from Ukraine’s long-range missile teams firing at military targets in Russia.
Sources said the maritime threat could attack the Dniester River, which connects from the Black Sea to Transdnistria and even take landing ships inland.
Warships and at least three Kilo Class attack submarines left port at Novorossiysk on Thursday and set sail on a mystery mission - the largest fleet to leave the port in months.
One Russia expert told the Daily Mirror: “This maritime surge seems highly unusual and could suggest a change in tempo in the war, possibly involving Moldova.
“Any opening of a new front would put immense pressure on the West as it tries to get supplies and large military equipment to the frontline.
“There has always been the possibility of an assault up the Dniester and the landing craft could be covered or protected by the submarines.
“Or the deployment may mean the submarines will launch large numbers of missile attacks on mainland Ukraine.
“There have been a lot of supply missions undertaken by Russian navy warships since the attack on the Kerch Bridge.
“But the inclusion of so many submarines points to this being much more than a supply mission.
“There is an outside chance that navy commanders are preparing their crews for a future operation or trying to protect key ships against an attack by Ukraine.”
It comes as Vladimir Putin demotes the notorious 'General Armageddon' after months of humiliating defeats in Ukraine.
In an apparent recognition of recent battlefield setbacks, Russia's Defence Ministry announced the demotion of the head of Russian forces in Ukraine after only three months on the job.
Russia's top military officer - the chief of the military's General Staff, Gen. Valery Gerasimov - was named as the replacement for Gen. Sergei Surovikin, who was demoted to deputy.
During his short time overseeing the troops in Ukraine, Surovikin was credited with strengthening coordination, reinforcing control and introducing a campaign to knock out Ukraine's public utilities as a pressure tactic.
But he also announced a humiliating withdrawal in November from Kherson, the only regional centre Russian forces had captured just weeks after the Kremlin illegally annexed the area.
His demotion signalled that the Russian President wasn't fully satisfied with his performance.
