Satellite photographs show Russia has deployed trained dolphins at the entrance to the key Black Sea port of Sevastopol, home to Russia’s Black Sea naval fleet. The dolphins are likely to be trained to intercept Ukrainian divers attempting to sabotage Russian ships.

Both the Russian and the US navies have a long history of training marine mammals for military use. During the Cold War, Russia used trained dolphins to protect ships as part of the Soviet Navy’s marine mammal program. Following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the dolphins were transferred to Ukraine but with Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea, the unit came under Russian Navy control. 
 
Similarly, the U.S. Navy has trained dolphins, whales and sea lions since the 1950s, to help in identifying underwater mines. During the Vietnam War marine mammals were trained to search for objects underwater and patrol restricted areas.

In April 2019, fishermen in Norway spotted a beluga whale wearing a harness and snooping around their ship. The harness was labeled “Equipment of St. Petersburg.” Researchers speculate that the beluga may have been a Russian spy in training. 

Thanks to Roberta Weisbrod for contributing to this post.