The recent incident involving the reported sinking of the Moskva – the flagship of the Russian Black Sea Fleet – whether due to a Ukrainian missile strike or a fire onboard as Russia claims, represents a significant setback for Russia in its ongoing conflict with Ukraine. This event brings the Black Sea, and its strategic importance to Russia and other nations, sharply into focus.
Understanding the Geography of The Black Sea
Positioned as a vital maritime link between Europe and Asia, the Black Sea is surrounded by six countries – Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. Its northern and northwestern borders are dominated by Ukraine, Russia and Georgia control its eastern front, Turkey lies to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania dominate the western coastline.
From a maritime perspective, it forms a critical channel connecting a network of seas. The Black Sea connects to the Sea of Marmara through the Bosphorus Strait, which subsequently leads to the Aegean Sea via the Dardanelles Strait.
Russia’s Interest in The Black Sea: A Strategic Perspective
The Black Sea holds immense significance for Russia due to several strategic factors. Firstly, this region serves as a platform for Russia to project its power into the Mediterranean and secure its economic gateway to southern Europe’s key markets.
In addition, the Black Sea has traditionally acted as Russia’s warm water pathway to Europe. Furthermore, it serves as a strategic buffer zone between Russia and the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) – a crucial factor given the current geopolitical dynamics.
This strategic imperative has inspired Russia to strengthen its control over the Black Sea since the Crimea crisis of 2014, bolstering its naval presence by deploying its Black Sea Fleet. Founded in 1783, the fleet comprises warships from the Russian Navy operating in the Black Sea, Sea of Azov, and Eastern Mediterranean. Its headquarters are located in Sevastopol, a major port on the Crimean Peninsula.
Russia’s Military Activity in The Black Sea Region
During the ongoing conflict with Ukraine, the domination of the Black Sea has been a significant objective for Russia. This includes efforts to secure a land bridge connecting Russia and Crimea.
Russian forces have targeted several key areas, including Mariupol, a major port in the breakaway eastern Ukrainian oblast of Donetsk, in the Sea of Azov. The city of Odessa, located west of Crimea, has also been anticipated to be a focal point of military efforts by Russia. With its extensive energy and transport resources, the capture of this region would significantly impair Ukraine’s access to the Black Sea, effectively rendering it a landlocked country.
Russia’s Challenges in the Black Sea
The loss of the warship Moskva represents a potential blow to Russia’s military strategy in the Black Sea region, particularly concerning the anticipated amphibious assault on Odessa. This event marks the second instance of damage to significant naval assets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, the first being the Alligator class landing ship Saratov in March 2022. These setbacks may force Russia to reassess its maritime posture in the Black Sea.
