Russian navy

Hvaldimir unexpectedly headed south after several years in Norway, fueling concerns and efforts to bring him to safety. Experts say his story shines a light on how humans treat animals in general.

Citing satellite imagery, a submarine analyst says Russia's navy is deploying dolphins to defend a crucial base off Crimea. Russia and the U.S. have run marine-mammal training programs for decades.

Experts say the loss of the Moskva — the flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet — is significant both symbolically and militarily, even if it doesn't deal a decisive blow to Russia's overall operations.

Russia's Defense Ministry said the submariners were poisoned by fumes from the fire, which broke out on a navy deep water research vessel.

It's not by chance that the countries' 4 1/2-year conflict has taken on a naval dimension. Moscow is further imposing on Kiev its annexation of Crimea.