In response to Russian President Vladimir Putin’s assertions regarding the capability to “cut off” Ukraine from the Black Sea, Ukrainian Navy spokesman Dmytro Pletenchuk stated that such actions are implausible, given that Russia has struggled to operate in the sea since 2022. Pletenchuk emphasized the significant improvements in Ukraine’s coastal defense systems, including advanced Neptune missiles, which have enhanced their defensive posture. He dismissed Russian claims as typical rhetoric and highlighted natural water barriers like the Dnipro and Southern Bug rivers that further complicate any potential Russian maritime operations. This exchange underscores the ongoing tensions in the Black Sea region and the critical role of naval capabilities in the broader conflict.