Capture of Southern Naval Base

{{Short description|Blockade during the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation}}

{{Infobox military conflict

| conflict = The blockade of the Ukrainian fleet in Donuzlav

| partof = the Annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation

| image = File:DonuzlavLakeMap.png

| image_size = 300px

| caption = Location of Donuzlav Bay

| date = 3 – 26 March 2014
({{Age in years, months, weeks and days|month1=03|day1=3|year1=2014|month2=03|day2=26|year2=2014}})

| place = Donuzlav, Crimea, Ukraine

| territory =

| result = Russian victory

| combatant1 = {{flag|Russia}}

| combatant2 = {{flag|Ukraine}}

| commander1 = {{flagicon|Russia}} Viktor Chirkov
{{flagicon|Russia}} Aleksandr Vitko
{{flagicon|Crimea}} Denis Berezovsky{{Surrender}} (defected on March 2)

| commander2 = {{flagicon|Ukraine}} Ihor Tenyukh
{{flagicon|Ukraine}} Serhiy Hayduk
{{flagicon|Ukraine}} Yuriy Fedash
{{flagicon|Ukraine}} Dmytro Kovalenko

| units1 = {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of Russia.svg}} Russian Navy

{{flagicon image|Sleeve Insignia of the Russian Black Sea Fleet.svg}} Black Sea Fleet

| units2 = {{flagicon image|Naval Ensign of Ukraine.svg}} Ukrainian Navy

| strength1 = 1 missile cruiser
4 support ships
2 helicopters

| strength2 = 1 corvette
3 minesweepers
2 landing ships

| casualties1 = None

| casualties2 = 13 ships captured, some later returned

| casualties3 =

| notes =

| campaignbox = {{Campaignbox Ukrainian crisis}}

}}

The siege of Southern Naval Base lasted from 3 March 2014 until its definitive capture on 27 March 2014. The action began with the blockade of Donuzlav bay by the Russian missile cruiser Moskva. The Russian Navy later scuttled the Russian anti-submarine ship Ochakov and several smaller vessels in the mouth of the bay to prevent Ukrainian ships from sailing to open sea and reaching the Ukrainian fleet in Odesa. As a result, 13 Ukrainian ships were bottled up and eventually captured by Russia in Donuzlav bay. The blockade ended when the Russian Navy seized the last ship under the Ukrainian flag in Crimea, the minesweeper Cherkasy.

Military base

In 1961 a 200-meter canal was built, linking Donuzlav bay to the settlement of Novoozerne. Since then, the region's economy has benefited from the Southern Naval Base. After the separation of the Black Sea Fleet, the base passed under the control of Ukraine. The Southern Naval Base of Ukraine was created. Joint exercises between NATO and Ukraine, "Operation Sea Breeze", took place at Donuzlav, which drew disapproval from Russia, as well as the pro-Russian forces of the peninsula.{{cite web |url=http://1tv.ru/news/other/28999 |trans-title= |title=В Крыму прошла массовая акция протеста против натовских учений «Си Бриз» |author=Алёна Иваниченко |date=2008-07-24 |publisher=Первый канал |access-date=2015-06-26}}{{cite news|url=http://www.radiosvoboda.org/content/article/1616536.html|trans-title= |title=Міжнародні військові навчання «Сі бриз» таки пройдуть у Криму, але без іноземних військ|date=2009-04-27|work=Володимир Притула|publisher=Радіо Свобода|access-date=2015-06-26|last1= Притула|first1= Володимир}}{{cite web |url=http://mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/0/4D473E6AEC6C2E99C325748A004521DF |trans-title= |title=Комментарий Департамента информации и печати МИД России относительно проходящих на Украине учений «Си Бриз-2008» |date=2008-07-18 |publisher=МЗС РФ |access-date=2015-06-26 }}{{cite web |url=http://www.mid.ru/brp_4.nsf/0/C52B91C9EE8E26D5C32578AD001EB185 |trans-title= |title=Комментарий МИД России в связи с заходом в Черное море американского противоракетного крейсера «Монтерей» |date=2011-06-12 |publisher=МЗС РФ |access-date=2015-06-18}}

At the beginning of the blockade, the following military units and naval units of Ukraine were moored in Novoozerne: 257 combined armaments and assets (air force A4290), a naval intelligence station (A / 343 military unit), the Southern Naval Base Ukraine (air force A2506) and 21 districts of the coastal surveillance system (airborne A4249).{{cite web |url=http://iarex.ru/articles/46494.html |trans-title= |title=Итоги «Крымской войны» для Украины |author=Борис Рожин |date=2014-03-26 |publisher=ИА REX |access-date=2015-06-18}} Also, in the Donuzlav area in the village Mirny is an abandoned naval air station, home of Be-12 flying boats and Ka-25 and Ka-27 helicopters, all of them designed for anti-submarine warfare.{{cite web |url=http://urban3p.com/vivarium/2852 |trans-title= |title=Противолодочная Авиабаза «Донузлав» |date=2012-11-06 |publisher=urban3p.ru |access-date=2015-06-18}}{{cite web |url=http://krimeo.ru/zabroshennaya-voenno-morskaya-baza-chernomorskogo-flota-v-krymu |trans-title= |title=Заброшенная военно-морская база Черноморского флота в Крыму |date=2015-04-17 |publisher=Krimeo |access-date=2015-06-18 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620163748/http://krimeo.ru/zabroshennaya-voenno-morskaya-baza-chernomorskogo-flota-v-krymu/ |archive-date=2015-06-20 |url-status=dead }}

As of March 2014, the ships of five brigades of surface ships of the Naval Forces were based in Novoozerne:{{cite web |url=http://news.liga.net/news/politics/1733697-vozvrashchenie_ukrainskikh_korabley_iz_kryma_otlozheno_iz_za_shtorma.htm |trans-title= |title=Возвращение украинских кораблей из Крыма отложено из-за шторма |date=2014-05-14 |publisher=ЛІГАБізнесІнформ |access-date=2015-06-18}}

Corvette Vinnytsia (U206); (Returned)
Minesweeper Chernihiv (U310);
Minesweeper Cherkasy (U311);
Minesweeper Henichesk (U360); (Returned)
Middle landing ship Kirovohrad (U401);( Returned)
Large landing ship Konstantin Olshansky (U402);
Transport Horlivka (U753); (Returned)
Anti-diversion boat Theodosius (U240);
Torpedo cutter Kherson (U891);
Dispatch boat Dobropillia (U854). (Returned){{Cite web |date=2014-05-14 |title=Возвращение украинских кораблей из Крыма отложено из-за шторма |url=https://news.liga.net/politics/news/vozvrashchenie_ukrainskikh_korabley_iz_kryma_otlozheno_iz_za_shtorma |access-date=2024-04-29 |website=LIGA |language=ru}}

In the structure of eight separate divisions of the ships were the provision of: {{cite web |date=2014-03-11|url=http://vz.ru/world/2014/3/11/676138.html |trans-title= |title=К миру без принуждения |author=Вяткин, Ярослав |publisher=Взгляд |access-date=2015-06-26}}

Fire rescue vessel Evpatoria (U728); (Returned)
Seagoing tug Kovel (U831); (Returned)
Towboat Novoozerne (U942); (Returned)

Background

File:База ЮВМБ Украины (4).JPG

From 23 to 27 February, the executive power of Sevastopol and the Autonomous Republic of Crimea changed.{{who|date=May 2022}} The new Crimean authorities have declared illegitimacy of the authorities of Ukraine and appealed for help to the leadership of Russia, which gave its support.{{cite web|url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/891663-miskrada-sevastopolya-zayavila-scho-ne-viznae-maydanivsku-vladu.html|trans-title= |title=Міськрада Севастополя заявила, що не визнає "майданівську" владу|date=2014-03-01|publisher=Уніан|access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite news|url=http://www.svoboda.org/content/article/25281235.html|trans-title= |title=Крымский премьер Аксёнов обратился к Путину за "содействием"|newspaper= Радио Свобода|date=2014-03-01|access-date=2015-06-27}}

Since February 27, the actions of numerous armed groups have been unfolding on the territory of the Crimea - some of these armed groups were self-defense detachments from local residents, Berkuvtsev, Cossacks and representatives of various Russian public organizations who came to Crimea on their own initiative to "protect their compatriots". On the other hand - a group of well-armed and equipped men in uniform without identifying signs.{{cite web|url=http://www.novayagazeta.ru/inquests/64242.html|trans-title= |title=Спецтуристы|date=2014-07-01|work=Сергей Канев|publisher=Новая газета|access-date=2015-06-27}} Until the end of the Crimean crisis, these formations provided control over strategic objects and local authorities, their protection and functioning, and blocked Ukrainian military units and headquarters.{{cite web|url=http://podrobnosti.ua/962280-rossijskie-voennye-prodolzhajut-blokirovat-krymskie-chasti.html|trans-title= |title=Российские военные продолжают блокировать крымские части|date=2014-03-03|publisher=podrobnosti.ua|access-date=2015-06-27}} The Ukrainian and Western media, the Ukrainian authorities and the leadership of the Western powers from the very first days said with certainty that they were Russian forces, qualifying their actions as aggression, military invasion and occupation. Russian officials until April 2014 refused to publicly admit this.{{cite web| url=https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2020/03/17/crimea-six-years-after-illegal-annexation/ |title=Crimea: Six years after illegal annexation |author=Steven Pifer |date=March 17, 2020 |publisher=Brookings Institution}}{{Cite web|date=2014-04-17|title=Путин: наши военные "встали за спиной" самообороны Крыма|trans-title=Putin: our military "stood behind the back" of the self-defense of Crimea|url=https://www.bbc.com/russian/russia/2014/04/140417_putin_phone_line|access-date=2021-06-19|website=BBC News Russian|language=ru}}

On March 1, after receiving an appeal from the Government of Crimea and Viktor Yanukovych, Russian President Vladimir Putin appealed to the Federation Council on the use of Russian troops on the territory of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://kremlin.ru/news/20353 |trans-title= |title=Владимир Путин внёс обращение в Совет Федерации Федерального Собрания Российской Федерации |date=2014-03-01 |publisher=Офіційний сайт президента Росії |access-date=2014-06-26}} The same day, the Federation Council, having gathered for an extraordinary meeting, agreed to use Russian troops in Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://council.gov.ru/press-center/news/39851 |trans-title= |title=Совет Федерации дал согласие на использование Вооружённых Сил России на территории Украины |date=2014-03-01 |publisher=Рада Федерації |access-date=2014-06-26}}

Also on March 1, 2014 a decree of President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchynov appointed Denis Berezovsky commander of the Naval Forces of Ukraine. The next day, he swore an oath to the new leadership of Crimea and was appointed Commander of the Navy of Crimea.{{cite web|url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/891973-eks-golova-vms-ukrajini-berezovskiy-sklav-prisyagu-na-virnist-meshkantsyam-ar-krim-ta-mista-sevastopolya.html|trans-title= |title=Екс-голова ВМС України Березовський склав присягу на вірність "мешканцям АР Крим та міста Севастополя" Детальніше читайте на УНІАН|date=2014-03-02|publisher=Уніана|access-date=2015-06-27}} That same day he was removed from office by a decision of Defense Minister of Ukraine Ihor Tenyukh and decree by President of Ukraine. Instead of Berezovsky, commander Serhiy Hayduk was appointed.{{cite web |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/891977-eks-golovu-vms-ukrajini-berezovskogo-vidstoroneno-vid-posadi-sche-zranku-syumar.html |trans-title= |title=Екс-голову ВМС України Березовського відсторонено від посади ще зранку - Сюмар|date=2014-03-02|publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://zakon2.rada.gov.ua/laws/show/227/2014 |trans-title= |title=Указ Президента України № 227/2014 «Про звільнення Д.Березовського з посади командувача Військово-Морських Сил Збройних Сил України» |date=2014-03-02 |publisher=Верховна рада України |access-date=2015-06-27}}

Main events

File:Константин Ольшанский во время учений в Новоозёрном в 2009 году.jpg during exercises in Donuzlav in 2009]]

According to Ukrainian minister of defense Ihor Tenyukh, at the moment of the blockade, only four ships remained in quasi-combatant capacity, including the large landing ship Konstantin Olshansky, which was based in Donuzov.{{cite web |url=http://rian.com.ua/politics/20140312/340916071.html |trans-title= |title=Источник: Тенюх оценил состояние армии как неудовлетворительно низкое |date=2014-03-12 |publisher=РИА Новости |access-date=2015-06-27}} Over the question why Ukrainian ships were not withdrawn from Crimea at the end of February 2014, Tenyukh accused the commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Yuriy Ilyin, who, according to him did not issue an order.{{cite web |publication-date=2014-03-29 |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/901948-tenyuh-rozpoviv-chomu-ukrajinski-korabli-vchasno-ne-viveli-iz-krimu.html |trans-title= |title=Тенюх розповів, чому українські кораблі "вчасно" не вивели із Криму|publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}} However, Ilyin himself accused Tenyukh of the absence of such an order.{{cite web |publication-date=2014-04-29 |url=http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1323875-yu-ilyin-pro-vivedennya-korabliv-iz-krimu-i-tenyukh-govorit-nepravdu-vin-buv-ne-gotoviy-keruvati-zsu |trans-title= |title=Ю.Ільїн про виведення кораблів із Криму: І.Тенюх говорить неправду, він був не готовий керувати ЗСУ |publisher=УНН |access-date=2015-06-27}}

On March 2, 2014, four KamAZ trucks full of armed people arrived in Novoazerne.{{cite web |url=http://flot.com/news/navy/?ELEMENT_ID=163817 |trans-title= |title=Озеро Донузлав — хроника событий |date=2014-05-26 |publisher=Центральный Военно-Морской Портал |access-date=2015-06-27}} On March 3 information appeared on the blocking of the Southern Naval Base of Ukraine by military servicemen of the Russian Federation.{{cite web |date=2014-03-03 |url=http://aif.ua/society/social/1117013#id=3276214 |trans-title= |title=В Новоозёрном и Феодосии заблокированы части с морпехами-украинцами |publisher=Аргументы и факты — Украина |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619085817/http://www.aif.ua/society/social/1117013#id=3276214 |archive-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=dead }} The 200-meter-long exit from the Donuzlav bay was blocked by the flagship of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia, missile cruiser Moskva, supported by four other ships.{{cite web |date=2014-03-05 |url=http://e-crimea.info/news/ukrainskim-korablyam-zakryli-vyhod-iz-ozera-donuzlav |trans-title= |title=Украинским кораблям закрыли выход из озера Донузлав |publisher=Информационное агентство «е-Крым» |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619090237/http://www.e-crimea.info/news/ukrainskim-korablyam-zakryli-vyhod-iz-ozera-donuzlav |archive-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web|url=http://www.day.kyiv.ua/uk/news/060314-rosiyski-viyskovi-zatopili-korabel-shchob-zablokuvati-ukrayinsku-bazu-vms|trans-title= |title=Російські військові затопили корабель, щоб заблокувати українську базу ВМС|date=2014-03-06|publisher=day.kyiv.ua|access-date=2015-06-27}} On land, the Ukrainian base was surrounded by about 100 Russian servicemen. At the same time, Ukrainian Navy's ships were ordered to take off from the pier and gather in Donuzlav bay.

The commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, Aleksandr Vitko, personally came to negotiations with the command of the part, during which he offered to surrender and oath to the Crimean people, but he was denied.{{cite web |url=http://gazeta.ua/articles/np/_baza-vms-ukrayini-na-donuzlavi-prognala-golovnokomanduvacha-cf-rf-ukrayinciv-vzyali-v-oblogu/545720 |trans-title= |title=База ВМС України на Донузлаві прогнала головнокомандувача ЧФ РФ: українців взяли в облогу |author=Денис Тимошенко |date=2014-03-05|publisher=Gazeta.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} Denied and in execution of the order of Denis Berezovsky - the ships retired to the berth and handed over the weapons to the warehouses.{{cite web |url=http://odessa-life.od.ua/article/4706-eksklyuzivnoe-intervyu-s-komandirom-desantnogo-korablya-konstantin-olshanskii |trans-title= |title=Эксклюзивное интервью с командиром десантного корабля «Константин Ольшанский» |author=Ирина Уманец |date=2014-04-23 |publisher=Одесская жизнь |access-date=2015-06-27}} On the morning of March 4 Crimean Prime Minister Sergei Aksyonov said that the personnel of the Ukrainian military units were ready to submit to the new government of Crimea and that commanders who refused to do his bidding would be prosecuted.{{cite web |url=http://investigator.org.ua/news/120825 |trans-title= |title=«Верховный главнокомандующий» Крыма Аксенов грозит уголовными делами командирам, отказавшимся ему подчиняться |date=2014-03-04 |publisher=Центр журналистских расследований |access-date=2015-06-27}}

File:Чернигов (U310).JPG in Donuzlav in 2008]]

On March 4, armed people without identification marks began to dig trenches near the berth. On March 5, Donuzlav blocked the exit of ships SFP-183, Moskow, Shtel and Lightning. In order to prevent the release of Ukrainian ships to Odesa on the night of March 5 to 6, 2014, the light cruiser Ochakov (length about 180 meters) and the rescue ship Shakhty, both of them belonging to the Russian Federation, were scuttled at the exit from Donuzlav. Ochakov obstructed the mouth of the bay.{{cite web |publication-date=2014-03-06 |url=http://na.mil.gov.ua/3294-rosijski-vijskovi-zatopili-korabel-bilya-vxodu-v-ozero-donuzlav-z-metoyu-perekrittya-farvateru-i-blokuvannya-korabliv-vms-zbrojnix-sil-ukra%D1%97ni |trans-title= |title=Російські військові затопили корабель біля входу в озеро Донузлав з метою перекриття фарватеру і блокування кораблів ВМС Збройних сил України |publisher=Министерство обороны Украины |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618131643/http://na.mil.gov.ua/3294-rosijski-vijskovi-zatopili-korabel-bilya-vxodu-v-ozero-donuzlav-z-metoyu-perekrittya-farvateru-i-blokuvannya-korabliv-vms-zbrojnix-sil-ukra%D1%97ni |archive-date=2015-06-18 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://www.pravda.com.ua/news/2014/03/6/7017790/ |trans-title= |title=Росіяни затопили в Криму свій корабель, щоб заблокувати українські |date=2014-03-06 |publisher=Українська правда |access-date=2015-06-27}} The sinking of Ochakov took about 80 minutes.{{cite web |url=http://rg.ru/2014/10/09/reg-kfo/ochakov.html |trans-title= |title=В Крыму завершилась операция по подъему корабля «Очаков» |author=Егор Гришкин |date=2014-10-09 |publisher=Российская газета |access-date=2015-06-27}}

In connection with the blockade of Ukrainian ships in Donuzlav, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine strongly protested to the Russian Federation.{{cite web |url=http://mfa.gov.ua/ua/press-center/briefing/1197-brifing-v-mzs |trans-title= |title=Огляд подій навколо Автономної Республіки Крим (6-7 березня) |date=2014-03-07 |publisher=Міністерство закордонних справ України |access-date=2015-06-27}} On March 7, fire-fighting boat BM-416 was also sunk as an obstacle; it had a displacement of 30-40 tons.{{cite web |publication-date=2014-03-07 |url=http://dt.ua/UKRAINE/rosiyski-viyskovi-zatopili-sche-odin-korabel-na-ozeri-donuzlav-139183_.html |trans-title= |title=Російські військові затопили ще один корабель на озері Донузлав|publisher=dt.ua |access-date=2014-03-27}}

On March 13, in response to the intentional sinking of a fourth ship at the mouth of the bay, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine handed a verbal note to Russia over the scuttled ships and the threat to environmental safety in the Black Sea.{{cite web |url=http://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/3318882-rosiiski-viiskovi-zatopyly-u-krymu-vzhe-chetvertyi-korabel |trans-title= |title=Російські військові затопили у Криму вже четвертий корабель |date=2014-03-13 |publisher=Корреспондент |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://vz.ru/news/2014/3/13/676931.html |trans-title= |title=В крымской бухте Донузлав затопили четвертое судно |date=2014-03-13 |publisher=Взгляд |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://mfa.gov.ua/ua/press-center/briefing/1201-brifing-v-mzs |trans-title= |title=Огляд подій навколо Автономної Республіки Крим |date=2014-03-14 |publisher=Міністерство закордонних справ України |access-date=2015-06-27}} Director of the Information Policy Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Yevhen Perebyinis stated that the responsibility for damage to the marine environment and natural resources rested on the Russian side.{{cite web |url=http://interfax.ru/world/364475 |trans-title= |title=России передана нота в связи с угрозой экологической безопасности в Чёрном море |date=2014-03-13 |publisher=Интерфакс |access-date=2015-06-27}}

File:Тральщик «Черкассы» (U311) (4).JPG during exercises in Donuzlav in 2009]]

Also, on March 13, farmers from the Rivne region delivered about 25 tons of food to the Ukrainian sailors. Base commander Vladimir Dogonov said that there was a lot of assistance to the naval base, to the point that they shared it with neighboring military units.{{cite web |url=http://mil.gov.ua/news/2014/03/13/rivnyani-taki-dovezli-harchi-zablokovanim-u-krimu-ukrainskim-vijskovim |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220422020125/https://mil.gov.ua/news/2014/03/13/rivnyani-taki-dovezli-harchi-zablokovanim-u-krimu-ukrainskim-vijskovim |url-status=dead |archive-date=April 22, 2022 |trans-title= |title=Рівняни таки довезли харчі заблокованим у Криму українським військовим |date=2014-03-13 |publisher=Міністерство оборони України |access-date=2015-06-27 }} With the assistance of the Red Cross, residents of Kropyvnytskyi and Novomyrhorod were able to pass along the aid.{{cite web |url=http://kg-region.com/2014-march-17-kirovograd-news-02.html |trans-title= |title=Не словом — а делом: как неравнодушные Новомиргородские предприниматели поддержали «Кировоград» |date=2014-03-17 |publisher=kg-region.com |access-date=2015-06-18 |language=ru |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629082503/http://www.kg-region.com/2014-march-17-kirovograd-news-02.html |archive-date=2015-06-29 |url-status=usurped }} Yuri Fedash, commander of the minesweeper Cherkasy, said that Crimean Tatars from the neighboring villages of Medvedev and Kirovske also provided assistance.{{cite web |url=http://realno.te.ua/novyny/капітан-черкас-юрій-федаш-герой-із-в-б |trans-title= |title=Капітан «Черкас» Юрій Федаш — герой із В. Бірок |date=2014-04-03 |publisher=realno.te.ua |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20150620124706/http://realno.te.ua/novyny/капітан-черкас-юрій-федаш-герой-із-в-б/ |archive-date=2015-06-20 |url-status=dead }}

Following a referendum on the Crimea status on March 16, the seamen requested a clear plan from the Ukrainian leadership for further action on the evacuation of servicemen and their families from Donuzlav.{{cite web |url=http://newsru.com/world/21mar2014/moryaki.html |trans-title= |title=Из-за нерешительности Киева верные присяге украинские военные в Крыму оказались в сложном положении |date=2014-03-21 |publisher=NEWSru.com |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/zablokirovannye-v-krymu-ukrainskie-moryaki-dayte-nam-prikaz-504366.html |trans-title= |title=Заблокированные в Крыму украинские моряки: Дайте нам приказ! |author=Юлиана Скибицкая |date=2014-03-21 |publisher=Сегодня.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} However, the acting president of Ukraine, Oleksandr Turchynov, said that the Ministry of Defense and the General Staff issued orders to protect the ships. Turchynov also stressed the need to withstand and prevent further Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/turchinov-zadacha-ukrainskih-voennyh-moryakov-v-krymu-zashchishchat-svoi-korabli-504425.html |trans-title= |title=Турчинов: Задача украинских военных моряков в Крыму — защищать свои корабли |author=Алексей Беловол |date=2014-03-21 |publisher=Сегодня.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}}

Volodymyr Komoedov, deputy of the State Duma of Russia and former commander of the Black Sea Fleet, said that Ukrainian vessels that were in the Crimea would become Russian after the referendum.{{cite web |url=http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20140318/1000027686.html |trans-title= |title=Комоедов: ЧФ РФ может пополниться 20 кораблями и судами ВМС Украины |date=2014-03-18 |publisher=РИА Новости |access-date=2015-06-27}}

On March 19, 2014, the headquarters of the Southern Naval Base of Ukraine went under the control of the Russian Federation.{{cite web |publication-date=2014-03-19|url=http://bbc.co.uk/russian/multimedia/2014/03/140319_v_naval_base_crimea.shtml |trans-title= |title=В Новоозёрном взята приступом база ВМС Украины |date=19 March 2014 |publisher=Бі-бі-сі |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |publication-date=2014-03-19 |url=http://argumentiru.com/army/2014/03/326826 |trans-title= |title=Российские военные заняли воинскую часть Украины в Новоозёрном |publisher=Аргументы.ру |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140324015923/http://argumentiru.com/army/2014/03/326826 |archive-date=2014-03-24 |url-status=dead }} The headquarters gates near the checkpoint were demolished by a bulldozer. Russian military vehicles blocked the road to the barracks.{{cite web |url=http://mfa.gov.ua/ua/press-center/comments/833-brifing-v-mzs-ukrajini-19-bereznya-2014-r |trans-title= |title=Брифінг в МЗС України 19 березня 2014 р. |date=2014-03-19 |publisher=Міністерство закордонних справ України |access-date=2015-06-27}} After that, the ships Vinnitsa, Konstantin Olshansky, Kirovograd, Cherkassy and Chernigov sailed to the middle of Donuzlav to prevent capture.{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/rossiyskie-voennye-zahvatili-korvety-luck-i-hmelnickiy-504171.html |trans-title= |title=Российские военные захватили корветы «Луцк» и «Хмельницкий» |date=2014-03-20 |publisher=Segodnya.ua |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619090725/http://www.segodnya.ua/regions/krym/rossiyskie-voennye-zahvatili-korvety-luck-i-hmelnickiy-504171.html |archive-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=dead }} On March 20, Vitaliy Zvyagintsev, commander of the five brigades of the surface ships of the Naval Forces of Ukraine, who defected to Russia, ordered all ships to berth.{{cite web |url=http://dumskaya.net/news/voennyj-prokuror-odesskogo-garnizona-otkryl-ugol-040873 |trans-title= |title=Военный прокурор Одесского гарнизона открыл уголовные производства в отношении крымских дезертиров: список предателей-офицеров |date=2014-11-13 |publisher=Думская.net |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{YouTube|a4IzuXent78|Корабель «Черкаси»: історії українських солдат в Криму}}

On March 21, three machine gun points were deployed on the shore, and the berth was occupied by Russian military personnel.{{cite web |url=http://focus.ua/country/301032 |trans-title= |title=Российские пулеметчики блокируют украинские корабли на Донузлаве |date=2014-03-21 |publisher=ФОКУС.ua |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619134033/http://focus.ua/country/301032/ |archive-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=dead }} On the same day, the ships Kirovograd, Theodosius and Chernigov approached the berth and surrendered. The commander of Kirovgrad, Captain of the 3rd rank Volodymyr Khromchenkov, called the Shuster Live transmission live in the evening and told that the ships are waiting for an adequate order for their further fate, adding that the leadership is not connected with him.{{cite web |url=http://www.day.kyiv.ua/uk/blog/politika/zagibel-eskadri-2014 |author=Сергій Грабовський |trans-title= |title=Загибель ескадри-2014 |date=2014-03-25 |publisher=Газета «День» |access-date=2015-06-27}} The next day, the commander contacted the head of the Presidential Administration Serhiy Pashynskyi.{{cite web |url=http://www.unn.com.ua/uk/news/1320594-v-o-glavi-ap-obgovoriv-z-komandirom-korablya-kirovograd-pitannya-yaki-khvilyuyut-moryakiv-u-krimu |trans-title= |title=В.о. глави АП обговорив з командиром корабля "Кіровоград" "питання, які хвилюють моряків у Криму" |date=2014-03-22 |publisher=УНН |access-date=2015-06-27}}

Later, the commander of Kirovograd, Volodymyr Khromchenkov, the commander of Theodosius, O. Bily and the commander of Chernigov, Boris Paliy defected to the Russian side.

On March 21, the minesweeper Cherkasy made the first attempt to break through Donuzlav.{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/ukrainskie-moryaki-v-donuzlave-pytayutsya-prorvatsya-v-more-504415.html |trans-title= |title=Украинские моряки в Донузлаве пытаются прорваться в море |date=2014-03-21 |publisher=Сегодня.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} Cherkasy was hit by mooring cables from one of the scuttled ships and tried to break free. The operation lasted about two hours, but the minesweeper was not able to do it because of a lack of power. The commander of the ship Yuri Fedash asked for help from the minesweeper Chernigov, but he was denied. On this day, two officers, one midshipman and nine people disembarked from Cherkassy.{{cite web |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/899310-komandir-cherkas-rozpoviv-yak-ukrajinski-korabli-zdavalisya-v-donuzlavi.html |trans-title= |title=Командир "Черкас" розповів, як українські кораблі здавалися в Донузлаві |date=2014-03-21 |publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}} Converserly, three sailors from the minesweeper Chernigov climbed onboard.{{cite web |url=http://fontanka.ru/2014/03/26/125 |author=Юлия Никитина |trans-title= |title=Свернул с пути «Варяга» |date=2014-03-26 |publisher=Фонтанка.ру |access-date=2015-06-27}}

On March 22, the corvette Vinnitsa, raised the St. Andrew flag, and the commander Sergei Zagolnikov eventually defected to Russia.{{cite web |publication-date=2014-03-22 |url=http://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/events/3323215-rosiiski-viiskovi-vzialy-shturmom-korvet-vinnytsia-minoborony-ukrainy |trans-title= |title=Російські військові взяли штурмом корвет "Вінниця" - Міноборони України | publisher=Корреспондент |access-date=2015-06-27}} On the same day, Sergei Gaiduk said that food supplies on ships that are in Donuzlav would last only 10 days.{{cite web |url=http://news.liga.net/news/politics/1079586-u_moryakov_v_krymu_zapasov_edy_ostalos_na_10_sutok_minoborony_.htm |trans-title= |title=У моряков в Крыму запасов еды осталось на 10 суток — Минобороны |date=2014-03-22 |publisher=ЛІГАБізнесІнформ |access-date=2015-06-27}} On March 23, the minesweeper Henichesk attempted to exit Donuzlav, however, it was intercepted by a tug of the Black Sea Fleet of Russia.{{cite web |url=http://news.liga.net/news/politics/1079586-u_moryakov_v_krymu_zapasov_edy_ostalos_na_10_sutok_minoborony_.htm |trans-title= |title=У моряков в Крыму запасов еды осталось на 10 суток — Минобороны |date=2014-03-22 |publisher=ЛІГАБізнесІнформ |access-date=2015-06-27}} On the same day, Yuri Fedash, commander of the Cherkasy, said to a reporter that he was in contact with the Ukrainian Navy headquarters.{{cite web |url=http://tsn.ua/politika/zablokovani-v-donuzlavi-korabli-trimayut-zv-yazok-iz-kiyevom-i-mayut-tayemni-plani-diy-341439.html |trans-title= |title= Заблоковані в Донузлаві кораблі тримають зв'язок із Києвом і мають таємні плани дій |date=2014-03-23 |publisher=ТСН |access-date=2015-06-27}}

On the night of March 24, another small vessel was scuttled by the Russian Navy at the bay.{{cite web |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/899887-viyskovi-rf-zatopili-chergoviy-korabel-ta-ostatochno-perekrili-vihid-u-more-z-donuzlava.html |trans-title= |title=Військові РФ затопили черговий корабель та остаточно перекрили вихід у море з Донузлава |date=2014-03-24|publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}} Later, the Konstantin Olshansky laid smokescreens, but was still captured by the Russian boat U8301 using automatic weapons and small grenades. The minesweeper Henichesk was captured on the same date.{{cite web |url=http://interfax.ru/russia/366865 |trans-title= |title=На украинский корабль в Крыму высадились неизвестные вооруженные люди |date=2014-03-24 |publisher=Интерфакс |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/v-krymu-so-strelboy-zahvatili-desantnyy-korabl-konstantin-olshanskiy-504981.html |trans-title= |title=В Крыму со стрельбой захватили десантный корабль «Константин Ольшанский» |date=2014-03-24 |publisher=Segodnya.ua |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150619174006/http://www.segodnya.ua/regions/krym/v-krymu-so-strelboy-zahvatili-desantnyy-korabl-konstantin-olshanskiy-504981.html |archive-date=2015-06-19 |url-status=dead }}{{cite web |url=http://focus.ua/country/301233 |trans-title= |title=Видео захвата корабля «Константин Ольшанский» в озере Донузлав |date=2014-03-25 |publisher=ФОКУС.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://www.rbc.ua/ukr/news/voyska-rf-zahvatili-ukrainskiy-korabl-genichesk--24032014173800 |trans-title= |title=Війська РФ захопили український корабель "Генічеськ" |date=2014-03-24 |publisher=РБК-Україна |access-date=2015-06-27}} Captain Dmitry Kovalenko, commander of the Konstantin Olshansky said that the issue of scuttling his ship never was on the table.{{cite web |url=http://obozrevatel.com/politics/24368-kapitan-bdk-konstantin-olshanskij-ekipazh-nahoditsya-na-beregu-i-zhdet-prikaza.htm |author=Ольга Байвидович |trans-title= |title=Капитан «Ольшанского»: если бы затопили корабль, меня бы проклинали даже внуки |date=2014-03-25 |publisher=obozrevatel.com |access-date=2015-06-27}} At the time of capture of the ship was crewed by only 20 seamen from a usual complement of 120. The U8301 launched about 400 grenades around Konstantin Olshansky before the amphibious ship was assaulted by a boarding party. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine dubbed the seizure of the ships by Russia "piracy".{{cite web |url=http://news.liga.net/news/politics/1104507-rossiya_vedet_sebya_v_krymu_kak_piratskoe_gosudarstvo_mid.htm |trans-title= |title=Россия ведет себя в Крыму, как пиратское государство - МИД |date=2014-03-24|publisher=ЛІГАБізнесІнформ |access-date=2015-06-27}}

File:Штаб Южной военно-морской базы Украины в Новоозёрном (2009).jpg]]

Cherkasy made an attempt to leave Donuzlav, passing between the wrecks of two ships. As a result, the trawler was intercepted by a tug, from which there were attempts to board the minesweeper. According to Fedash, he considered the possibility of capturing the Russian vessel, but the leadership in Kyiv refused. He also said that in order to prevent the seizure of Cherkasy, they fired small arms on the water and used grenades. Also on March 24 President of Ukraine Oleksandr Turchinov said that the Ministry of Defense was given an order to withdraw military units from the Crimea.{{cite web |url=http://newsru.com/world/24mar2014/ukr.html |trans-title= |title=И.о. президента Украины распорядился вывести украинские войска с территории Крыма из-за «угроз» со стороны РФ |date=2014-03-24 |publisher=NEWSru.com |access-date=2015-06-27}}

On March 25, an unknown boat traveled around the minesweeper Cherkasy, the last Ukrainian ship in Crimea.{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/morskoy-tralshchik-cherkassy-vystoyal-noch-i-prodolzhaet-ostavatsya-vernym-ukraine-505224.html |trans-title= |title=Морской тральщик «Черкассы» выстоял ночь и продолжает оставаться верным Украине |date=2014-03-25 |publisher=Segodnya.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} Cherkasy was eventually captured by the ocean-going tug Kovel, three speedboats, and two Mi-35 helicopters.{{cite web|url=http://www.novayagazeta.ru/news/1679896.html|trans-title= |title=В Крыму взят штурмом последний украинский корабль|date=2014-03-25|publisher=Новая газета|access-date=2015-06-27}} The ship maneuvered for at least two hours, but was eventually stormed using firearms and light-and-noise grenades.{{cite web |url=http://dumskaya.net/news/rossiyane-snova-pytayutsya-zahvatit-tralschik-ch-034068 |trans-title= |title=Россияне взяли штурмом последний украинский корабль в Крыму |date=2014-03-25|publisher=Думская.net |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://ukr.segodnya.ua/politics/pnews/starshiy-matros-ukrainskogo-korablya-cherkassy-zahvatchiki-strelyali-i-brosali-granaty-505414.html |author=Максим Салай |trans-title= |title=Старший матрос українського корабля "Черкаси": "Загарбники стріляли і кидали гранати" |date=2014-03-26 |publisher=Segodnya.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} According to Fedash, Spetsnaz forces from the 16th Brigade participated in the capture of Cherkasy.{{cite web |url=http://dzvin.org/poobitsyaly-scho-pershyj-dostojnyj-korabel-bude-dlya-ekipazhu-morskoho-tralschyka-cherkasy-kapitan-yurij-fedash |author=Варвара Горова |trans-title= |title=«Пообіцяли, що перший достойний корабель буде для екіпажу морського тральщика "Черкаси"», — капітан Юрій Федаш |date=2014-04-04 |publisher=ДЗВІН |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150620161945/http://dzvin.org/poobitsyaly-scho-pershyj-dostojnyj-korabel-bude-dlya-ekipazhu-morskoho-tralschyka-cherkasy-kapitan-yurij-fedash/ |archive-date=2015-06-20 |url-status=dead }}

During the assault there were no casualties, but control mechanisms of the ship were damaged by the Russian forces. As a result, the tug Kovel towed Cherkasy to a harbor berth.{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/krym/vtoroy-razdel-chernomorskogo-flota-ukraina-sohranila-10-korabley-iz-61-505582.html |author=Керменчикли Арсен, Львовски Майк |trans-title= |title=Второй «раздел» Черноморского флота: Украина сохранила 10 кораблей из 61 |date=2014-03-26 |publisher=segodnya.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} The next day the crew went to the coast and traveled to the mainland Ukraine, the last to left the ship was commander Yuri Fedash, after which the Ukrainian flag was removed from the minesweeper.

Return of captured ships

Following the capture of Ukrainian ships, Alexander Turchinov instructed the Defense Minister of Ukraine Mykhailo Koval that "no warships should remain in captivity".{{cite web |url=http://malaga.mfa.gov.ua/ua/news/news-from-ukraine/794-o-turchynov-no-warship-shall-remain-captured |trans-title= |title=О.Турчинов: У полоні не повинно залишитись жодного військового корабля |date=2014-04-09 |publisher=Міністерство закордонних справ України |access-date=2015-06-27 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150629222828/http://malaga.mfa.gov.ua/ua/news/news-from-ukraine/794-o-turchynov-no-warship-shall-remain-captured |archive-date=2015-06-29 |url-status=dead }} On April 19, 2014, the ships Kirovograd, Vinnytsia, Kherson, Kovel, Gorlovka and Novoozernye were returned to Ukraine and relocated to Odesa.{{cite web |url=http://ria.ru/world/20140419/1004586026.html |trans-title= |title=Корабли ВМС Украины направились из крымской бухты Донузлав в Одессу |date=2014-04-09|publisher=РИА Новости |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/909932-z-krimu-viveli-vje-13-korabliv-sogodni-do-odesi-pribuv-kirovograd.html |trans-title= |title=З Криму вивели вже 13 кораблів: сьогодні до Одеси прибув «Кіровоград» |date=2014-04-20 |publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}} The transfer took place in neutral waters, to which the ships were towed by the Russian side, after which the Ukrainian flags were again raised on the ships.{{cite web |url=http://ria.ru/defense_safety/20140421/1004820186.html |trans-title= |title=Россия передала Украине 13 из 70 кораблей и судов ВМС |date=2014-04-20 |publisher=РИА Новости |access-date=2015-06-27}} In May the minesweeper Genichesk and passenger boat Dobropillya were transferred to Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://vmsu.info/ships/genichesk.htm |trans-title= |title=Рейдовый тральщик «Геническ» |publisher=VMSU.info |access-date=2015-06-27}}

As of June 2015, the ships Chernihiv, Cherkasy and Konstantin Olshansky had not been returned to Ukraine.{{cite web |url=http://economics.unian.ua/transport/1090318-povernennya-korabliv-ukrajini-z-okupovanogo-krimu-zavislo-genshtab-zsu.html |trans-title= |title=Повернення кораблів України з окупованого Криму зависло - Генштаб ЗСУ |date=2015-06-17 |publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}}

Memorials

File:Памятный знак затопленным кораблям в Новоозёрном (2).JPG]]

=Russian side=

On August 8, 2014, in Novoozerne, the head of the State Council of the Crimea, Volodymyr Konstantinov, dedicated a memorial plaque to the scuttled ships that blocked the exit of the naval ships of the Naval Forces of Ukraine. On the memorial plaque it is written: In memory of the ships that were intentionally sunk in March 2014 for the reunification of the Crimea with Russia.{{cite web |date=2014-08-08|url=http://krym.er.ru/news/2014/8/8/vladimir-konstantinov-otkryl-pamyatnyj-znak-zatoplennym-korablyam-v-poselke-novoozernoe |trans-title= |title=Глава крымского парламента открыл памятный знак затопленным кораблям в посёлке Новоозерное |publisher=Партия «Единая Россия» |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://rg.ru/2014/08/08/reg-kfo/pamyatnik-anons.html |author=Илья Изотов |trans-title= |title=Затопленным кораблям «крымской весны» поставили памятник |date=2014-08-08 |publisher=Российская газета |access-date=2015-06-27}}

=Ukrainian side=

On March 27, 2014, the commander of the minesweeper Cherkasy, Yury Fedash, was awarded the title of honorary citizen of the city of Cherkasy, and on August 24 the Order of Danylo Halytsky was presented.{{cite web |url=http://www.unian.ua/politics/901419-kapitanu-tralschika-cherkasi-prisvoeno-zvannya-pochesnogo-gromadyanina-cherkas.html |trans-title= |title=Капітану тральщика «Черкаси» присвоєно звання почесного громадянина Черкас |date=2014-03-27|publisher=Уніан |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://telegraf.com.ua/ukraina/obshhestvo/1446116-geletey-vruchil-nagradyi-luchshim-predstavitelyam-minoboronyi-i-vsu.html |trans-title= |title=Гелетей вручил награды лучшим представителям Минобороны и ВСУ |date=2014-08-25 |publisher=Телеграф |access-date=2015-06-27}} On April 4, congratulations were received by the crew of the minesweeper Cherkasy in the center of the city of the same name, where they were greeted as heroes.{{cite web |url=http://procherk.info/news/7-cherkassy/22580-kilka-tisjach-cherkaschan-prijshli-schob-privitati-ekipazh-tralschika-cherkasi |trans-title= |title=Кілька тисяч черкащан прийшли, щоб привітати екіпаж тральщика «Черкаси» |date=2014-04-04|publisher=procherk.info |access-date=2015-06-27}}

In April 2014, the members of the rock band Lyapis Trubetskoy invited the crewmembers of the Konstantin Olshansky to their concert in Odesa and called the Ukrainian sailors in Donuzlav "heroes". They also noted a video clip that was shot on a ship, where sailors perform the song "Warriors of the World".{{cite web |url=http://segodnya.ua/regions/odesa/lyapis-vystupil-na-proshchalnom-koncerte-v-odesse-s-ekipazhem-konstantina-olshanskogo-510455.html |author=Мария Рубан |trans-title= |title="Ляпис» выступил на прощальном концерте в Одессе с экипажем «Константина Ольшанского" |date=2014-04-06 |publisher=Segodnya.ua |access-date=2015-06-27}} However, it is erroneously believed that the video was taken on{{what|on?|date=May 2022}} the Cherkasy minesweeper. On April 6, 2014, before the match between Dynamo Kyiv and Kharkiv Metalist within the framework of the Ukrainian Championship, seamen from Kirovograd were invited to the stadium Olimpiysky, where they were received as heroes.{{cite web |url=http://uafootball.segodnya.ua/chua_news/dinamo-otceplyaet-metallist-ot-zony-ligi-chempionov-510489.html |author=Литвиненко Игорь |trans-title= |title=«Динамо» отцепляет «Металлист» от зоны Лиги чемпионов |date=2014-04-06 |publisher=Сегодня |access-date=2015-06-27}}

On August 24, 2014, during a military parade on the occasion of the Independence Day of Ukraine, the President of Ukraine, Petro Poroshenko, said: "Ukraine will never forget the actions of the crew of the minesweeper Cherkasy, which recently maneuvered and defended their ship in the Donuzlav bay".{{cite web |url=http://ua.korrespondent.net/ukraine/politics/3409808-ukraina-zavzhdy-bude-morskoui-derzhavoui-poroshenko |trans-title= |title=Україна завжди буде морською державою - Порошенко |date=2014-08-24 |publisher=Корреспондент |access-date=2015-06-27}}{{cite web |url=http://www.president.gov.ua/news/ukrayina-bula-ye-i-bude-morskoyu-derzhavoyu-prezident-porosh-33545 |trans-title= |title=Україна була, є і буде морською державою – Президент Порошенко на параді в Одесі |date=2014-08-24 |publisher=Сайт Президента України |access-date=2015-06-27}} The actions of the minesweeper inspired the 2018 featured film Cherkasy by Timur Yashchenko.{{Cite web |title=Черкаси |url=https://dzygamdb.com/uk/films/55 |access-date=2025-04-02 |website=dzygamdb.com |language=uk}}