Nowhere in the Black Sea is safe for ships flying Russia's tricolor flag

The recent successful attack by Ukrainian naval drones on Russian Novorossiysk Bay has created a new situation. Let's see what the consequences of these explosions might be.

Firstly, it's evident that the strikes on Novorossiysk Bay and the disabling of the large amphibious assault ship Olenegorsky Gornyak have embarrassed the Russian fleet once again. The marine surface drones developed by the Ukrainian SBU proved to be highly effective even against heavily protected targets like Novorossiysk Bay and the Crimean Bridge.

Looking at the bigger picture, this operation has strengthened Ukraine's position in the Black Sea significantly. Russia wanted to show control over the Black Sea after Ukraine withdrew from the "grain agreement." Some people said idiotic things, claiming it's almost like Russia's own sea. But, once again, things didn't go as planned.

“Ukraine now has a stronger position not only in the sea area but also in negotiations regarding the grain agreement extension. Russia can no longer dictate terms from a position of strength. The port in Novorossiysk, which is a vital hub for oil transportation, is also no longer safe for Russian vessels or any ships flying the Russian flag in the Black Sea.”

The Kremlin often talks about considering the "realities on the ground" during negotiations. Well, now they must consider the "realities at sea" as well. Negotiations might soon involve the SBU in Moscow, as the "oil corridor" for Russian ships becomes more challenging to navigate. There are no safe places left in the Black Sea for ships flying the Russian tricolor flag.

Source

About the author. Oleksiy Holobutskyi, political scientist

The editors do not always share the opinions expressed by the blog authors.