Russia is asking for help that is quite unique in assisting its attack on Ukraine. Not only soldiers and heavy weapons, Russia has also deployed military-trained dolphins to protect one of its naval bases in the Black Sea.
This unique defense was revealed thanks to satellite photos captured by the space technology company Maxar, and analyzed by the U.S. Naval Institute, as quoted from Gizmodo, Monday (2/5/2022).
The satellite image allegedly shows two dolphin cages at the entrance to the port of Sevastopol, the headquarters of the Russian naval fleet in the Black Sea. The dolphins were likely stationed to watch out for divers trying to infiltrate the Russian base.
The Black Sea and the port of Sevastopol are indeed strategic areas for Russia. This area gives Russia access to Ukraine's southern border, including the port of Odessa.
If Russia manages to take Odessa, they could cut off trade access to Kyiv and make it easier for them to take over western Ukraine. Russia has attacked Odessa, but has not succeeded in taking over the area.
This is not the first time Russia has used dolphins to strengthen its military defences. During the Cold War, Russia trained dolphins to detect divers and submarines from enemy nations and protected ships as part of the Soviet Union's marine mammal program.
After the collapse of the Soviet Union the dolphin program was transferred to Ukraine, but after Russia annexed Crimea in 2014 the unit came under the control of the Russian Navy.
Russian dolphin troops were also deployed to the war in Syria at the end of 2018. This was revealed thanks to satellite photos showing the presence of dolphins near the naval base in Tartus.
Not only Russia, the United States Navy has also trained dolphins, whales, and sea lions since the Vietnam War era to search for underwater objects and patrol around restricted areas at sea. Based on the latest data, the US has about 70 dolphins and 30 sea lions guarding strategic military locations.
Russia's marine mammal squad has also caused quite a stir after fishermen in Norway found a beluga whale wearing a harness and camera in April 2019. The beluga whale was previously suspected of being a Russian spy, and is believed to be a member of the Russian navy who wandered after his mission ended, but has not forget the practice.