The most important losses were the Moskva and the Rostov-on-Don, as they were the largest and most capable ships in the Russian Black Sea Fleet. The Moskva was a Slava-class cruiser that carried 16 anti-ship missiles and 64 surface-to-air missiles. The Rostov-on-Don was a Kilo-class submarine that could launch cruise missiles and torpedoes.

The other important losses were the Saratov and the Minks, as they were the main landing ships that could transport troops and equipment to Crimea and other areas. The Saratov was a Tapir-class landing ship that could carry up to 300 marines and 10 tanks. The Minks was a Ropucha-class landing ship that could carry up to 450 marines and 12 tanks.