Russia preparing for Black Sea blockade, warns Ukrainian Defense spokesperson
Natalia Humenyuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Southern Defense Forces (Photo: Getty Images)
In a recent statement made during a TV interview, Natalia Humenyuk, the spokesperson for the Ukrainian Security and Defense Forces of the South, highlighted several indications suggesting that Russia is preparing for a blockade of the Black Sea.
She pointed out that Russia's military exercises simulated a potential attack on a civilian vessel, indicating their willingness to carry out planned provocations.
Humenyuk also noted that the assembling of a Russian naval group in the Black Sea further strengthens suspicions of an impending blockade. "Over the past week, we have observed no fewer than 14 enemy ships in the Black Sea, representing a significant naval presence," she stated.
Black Sea blockade
Experts have reported that the Russian Black Sea Fleet is intensifying its military presence in the waters of the Black Sea, potentially aiming to enforce forced stoppages and searches of civilian ships, while also tightening control in the region.
The Military Media Center and the Ministry of Defense of the United Kingdom disclosed that Russian forces are preparing their ships in the Black Sea to "enhance the blockade of Ukraine."
The Military Media Center mentioned that the Russian Black Sea Fleet is bolstering combat operations, preparing its surface forces, and maritime aviation.
Nonetheless, analysts from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) suggest that the Russian Black Sea Fleet is unlikely to attempt a complete blockade of Ukraine, despite increasing measures against civilian ships.
"A full Russian blockade of Ukraine in the Black Sea would entail Russian forces firing on all vessels attempting to enter Ukrainian waters," the report stated.
It is considered improbable that Russia will implement such a full blockade to avoid provoking military conflict with littoral countries in the Black Sea region, including NATO members Romania, Bulgaria, and Türkiye.
According to experts, the current Russian actions in the Black Sea appear to be geared towards conducting searches of civilian and commercial vessels while using the blockade as a means to gain additional leverage and influence.
