The Black Sea region has for centuries played a key role in Russia’s southwestern policy. In the Russo-Turkish War (1768-1774), Russia took the opportunity to create naval forces in Crimea. And during subsequent wars with the Ottoman Empire, the Russian Empire moved into Bessarabia, the Caucasus and the Balkans. In 1791, the Sea of Azov … Continue reading Overview of the Russian maritime threat to Ukraine: Mariupol and Odesa at stake