REVIEW: Strategic Crimea

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Summary

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**Sevastopol and the Strategic Significance of Crimea**

- **Black Sea Fleet Origins**:
  - The Soviet Union’s Black Sea Fleet was based in **Sevastopol**, located on the southwestern tip of Crimea.
  - After the Soviet collapse in **1991**, fleet assets were divided—mostly to **Russia**, some to **Ukraine**.
  - Though Sevastopol became part of Ukraine, **Russia leased** portions of the naval base to maintain operations there.

- **Strategic Importance**:
  - **Sevastopol** is highly valued due to its advanced infrastructure and proximity to the **Bosporus Strait**, the critical link to the Mediterranean.
  - **Russia's other ports** on the eastern Black Sea are less developed and farther from the strait.
  - For **Ukraine**:
    - Its main other port, **Odesa**, lies farther north.
    - Naval access from the **Sea of Azov** passes through the **Kerch Strait**, bordered by both Crimea and Russia—posing logistical and security challenges.

References

See Strategic Crimea.