Neither Russia nor Ukraine dominates Black Sea – Estonian Navy Commander
Photo: Neither Russia nor Ukraine dominate the Black Sea (Getty Images)
Neither Russia nor Ukraine holds a clear advantage in the Black Sea. Both sides maintain freedom of action near their coastlines, supported by air defenses, mines, and coastal support, the Estonian news agency ERR reports, citing the Commander of the Estonian Navy, Ivo Värk.
"Today, the entire Black Sea can be considered a contested maritime zone where both sides, in practice, have a certain degree of freedom of action," Värk said.
The Commander of the Estonian Navy pointed out that this freedom of action is obviously greater near the coast.
"Both sides have their own air defenses, naval mines, and coastal support with various weapons systems," the Estonian Navy Commander added.
Värk explained that ships generally go out to sea only to carry out specific operations, but neither side takes excessive risks.
The Estonian Navy Commander also noted that both sides use gas drilling platforms in the Black Sea.
"They (gas drilling platforms - ed.) provide a good opportunity for both sides to deploy reconnaissance equipment and then monitor maritime activity from there. However, it is known that they do not remain under the control of one side continuously, meaning they change hands," Värk emphasized.
As the Ukrainian Navy earlier reported, Russia was forced to shift the primary functions of its fleet in the Black Sea to aviation. This is due to Ukrainian attacks, which had caused significant losses to Russian forces.
As a result, Russian aircraft are now patrolling the Black Sea and coastal waters instead of ships and boats.
