"Ukranine and Russia take their conflicto to the Sea" Topic

"The conflict between Ukraine and Russia has so far been restricted to ground battles over control of eastern Ukraine. Recent developments, however, suggest that the war — now in its fifth year — could soon spread to the sea. On Sept. 16, the Ukrainian government announced plans to create a naval base in the Sea of Azov before the end of the year, four days before President Petro Poroshenko confirmed Kiev's intentions in a speech to parliament. The statements come amid military buildups by both Ukraine and Russia in the Sea of Azov, which have been provoked in part by Moscow's construction of a bridge between Crimea and mainland Russia. The bridge has allowed the latter to harass Ukrainian vessels as part of larger restrictions on its shipping. As a result of the growing tensions, a flare-up is now entirely possible on the Sea of Azov, especially if the United States also brings its weight to bear in the conflict.

In its 2018 Annual Forecast, Stratfor noted that a broader resolution to the Ukrainian conflict would remain elusive throughout the year. Continued fighting in eastern Ukraine and growing tensions in the Sea of Azov — which will prolong the standoff between Moscow and the West — confirm this forecast….."
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Amicalement
Armand

Supposedly, Western forces are supposed to ramp up ops in the Black Sea, in response to concerns the Russians plan to cut off Ukrainian access to those waters.

This has Georgia II written all over it – for those not familiar with the outcome for the Georgian Navy, it did not end well.

I suspect they can't count on any real, American intervention vs, the Russian navy, in the region.

From what I recall of my WWII history, offending bridges are just made to be blown up by guerrilla forces, though doing so would make Putin hopping mad, no doubt.

Seems the best solution is to try to ramp up shipments to/from Odessa, and hope Putin doesn't interdict those too.

Time to sell some Exocets and Silkworms to the Ukes……

When I was in the ONI, the Soviet Navy was considered to be the most professional arm of their military. I have a feeling it is still so.

Time for Ukraine and Russia to start resolving their differences. More armaments will not resolve anything …