Putin's plan to wear down support for Ukraine in a war of attrition seems to be working, though it's not risk-free
Business InsiderSEP 29 2023
Putin Sends Jets With Hypersonic Missiles to Patrol Black Sea
Image copyright: President of the Russian Federation via Wikimedia Commons
The Spin
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia is likely trying to ramp up security in the region after it has become obvious that the US is attempting to wade deeper into the Ukraine conflict by providing Kyiv with long-range ATACMS missiles. Putin is merely defending the country and protecting its residents.
Anti-Russia narrative
Putin's announcement is a knee-jerk reaction to successful strikes by the Ukrainian Armed Forces against Russian facilities in Crimea. This is another one of Putin's empty intimidation tactics, as Russia's Black Sea Fleet is rendered ineffective in enforcing a naval blockade of Ukraine.