The news of a new Russian tugboat sinking in Saint Petersburg, yet another setback for a fleet already battered by Ukraine’s strikes, is, frankly, a bit on the darkly humorous side. It’s difficult to ignore the historical context here, especially considering the well-documented issues plaguing the Russian Navy, and the state of the “Admiral Kuznetsov” aircraft carrier, which has been a source of problems for a decade.
The fact that this brand-new tugboat sank, despite supposedly being a new addition to the fleet, is a bit absurd. Some say it’s reminiscent of a “superpower” that struggles with basic functionality. It seems the “no injuries were reported” announcement is their standard operating procedure at this point.… Continue reading
Russia’s lone aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, is likely destined for the scrapyard or a sale, according to shipbuilding sources. This feels like the inevitable conclusion to a long-running saga of neglect and repeated mishaps for a ship that’s more of a symbol than a functional war machine. The idea of this vessel, a source of national pride, ending up as scrap metal is a stark illustration of the current state of affairs, highlighting resource constraints and strategic missteps.
Who, realistically, would even want to buy this thing? The Kuznetsov has a reputation, and not a good one. It’s notoriously unreliable, a constant source of breakdowns, and even features a fire truck on deck – an unusual addition, to say the least.… Continue reading
Russia is reportedly considering retiring and scrapping its only aircraft carrier, the Admiral Kuznetsov, after years of costly repairs and setbacks. The vessel, plagued by mechanical failures and accidents since its launch in 1990, has been undergoing an extensive overhaul since 2018 with repeated delays. With the work suspended, discussions are now underway between the Russian Navy and shipbuilding authorities. Experts believe the carrier is outdated, and its retirement would leave Russia without an operational carrier, prompting debate about future naval capabilities and priorities.
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A Russian sailor, deployed from the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier to fight in Ukraine, suffered severe injuries including a concussion and shrapnel wounds. Following this, while serving aboard an unspecified naval vessel in an undisclosed “unfriendly nation,” he was exposed to radioactive water, resulting in acute radiation sickness and severe tissue damage. His lawyer, Petr Portnyagin, cites this case as evidence of the perilous conditions and inadequate safety measures faced by Russian servicemen due to aging equipment. The sailor’s prognosis is grim, but his lawyer hopes his condition will lead to his discharge from military service.
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Matt Underwood 
John Q. Hosedrinker