What is behind Moscow's accusation of a “naval blockade” of Ukrainian ports
Russia has announced the closure of a significant part of the Azov and Black Seas in order to conduct missile and artillery exercises. Andriy Klymenko, head of the Ukrainian Institute for Black Sea Strategic Studies, wrote about it on his social media page. Whether Nezalezhnaya has cause for concern, the MK found out from an expert.
Photo: Press service of the Ministry of Defense
Klimenko states that Russia has issued a NOTAM for the closure of parts of the Black and Azov Seas in connection with the launch of missiles from 13 to 19 February. “The Black Sea in the northwestern part is blocked up to the border of the territorial sea of Ukraine. In Azov – from the coast of occupied Crimea to the coast of Krasnodar territory, “said the author of the article.
According to him, the closure of the Sea of Azov does not allow the presence of a corridor for the passage of merchant ships to the ports of Ukraine, which is the first time in 8 years. Klymenko remarked that he did not want to sow panic, but Russia was probably preparing something like a “sea blockade” of Ukrainian ports.
– These are completely ordinary, ordinary exercises, – explained the expert. – We hold such events on a regular basis, by the way, like Ukraine. Before they start, the training areas are always closed. It must be understood that this is not about closing the whole Black Sea, as it may seem to an unfamiliar person. It is only a matter of closing certain areas that cannot coincide with the Ukrainian borders. Everything is done at a sufficient distance from them. Therefore, they cannot pose any direct threat to Ukraine.
– Only one thing: the number of our ships that go to sea is sufficient to cause a serious defeat to the entire coastal infrastructure of Ukraine. If such a need arises. It is clear that the arrival of six landing craft from the North and the Baltic Sea, given the presence of another group of Black Sea Fleet landing craft, will form a relatively large group that is able to land a large landing at any point. on the Black Sea coast. I am honestly unsure whether Ukraine will be at this point, as some experts suggest. Problems with the logistics and maintenance of the whole group after landing create a number of inconveniences. In this case, land operation is much easier. Therefore, I think that all these messages come from the information wars section, where any of our actions is immediately considered by Ukraine as an attempt to hide its cunning plan to conquer their country or provoke a war. I take these things quite calmly, I don't see anything out of the ordinary.
– Of course, we can expect Ukraine to start training with all its three and five ships in response. boats. Another pair of corvettes or NATO frigates can be expected to enter the Black Sea. There will be some reciprocal things, but this is all “one hundred and thirty-seventh Chinese warning.” Absolutely official measures that carry absolutely nothing.