Ukraine hits Russia’s Black Sea Fleet base in Crimea
Context
According to war officials on both sides and photos taken on the scene in annexe Crimea, Ukraine launched a missile attack on the Black Sea Fleet’s headquarters on Friday, leaving one serviceman missing and the main building on fire.
What are the recent events in the Russia-Ukraine war?
- Missile Attack on the Black Sea Fleet’s Headquarters: Ukraine launched a missile attack on the Black Sea Fleet’s main office.
- Conflicting information and official reports: The incident was verified by Russian and Ukrainian government officials. Initially reporting one serviceman as dead, the Russian Defense Ministry later clarified that the serviceman was missing.
- Location of the Attack: The Crimean port city of Sevastopol was the scene of the attack. In 2014, Russia annexed Crimea from Ukraine, a move that was largely viewed as unlawful by the international community.
What is the geographical significance of the Crimean port city of Sevastopol?
- Strategic Location: Sevastopol is located on the Crimean Peninsula along the Black Sea coast in a strategic location. Due to its strategic location and easy access to the Black Sea, it serves as a vital maritime entry point for both military and commercial operations.
- Naval Base: Black Sea Fleet, one of Russia’s most significant naval bases, is located in Sevastopol. The ability of Russia to project naval force in the Black Sea region is greatly aided by this naval facility, which has a long history dating back to the Russian Empire.
- Access to the Mediterranean: Turkey governs both the Bosporus Strait and the Dardanelles Strait, which connect the Black Sea to the Mediterranean Sea. Sevastopol is strategically significant for nations wanting access to the Mediterranean because of its location near these straits.
- Historical Significance: Sevastopol was a key player in the Crimean War in the 19th century and World War II, among other historical events. Its geopolitical relevance is increased by its historical significance.
- Crimean Peninsula: Sevastopol is situated on the Crimean Peninsula, which has historically been a hotbed of geopolitical conflict. The sovereignty of Crimea is still a matter of international contention following Russia’s extremely divisive takeover of the region in 2014.
- Military Presence: Sevastopol and Crimea are home to a sizable Russian military and naval infrastructure, which improves Russia’s military prowess in the area and allows it to project power into the Black Sea and Eastern Mediterranean. Sevastopol serves as a transportation hub in Crimea, facilitating the flow of people and products throughout the territory.
How is this peninsula related to the Black Sea Grain Initiative?
- Ukraine was permitted to export grain from its southern ports under the terms of the Black Sea Grain Initiative, which was a deal reached by the UN, Turkey, and Russia. The project provided for the export of food and fertilizer from three Ukrainian ports and was introduced in July 2022. Following a peak in 2022, the campaign assisted in bringing down food costs by about 20%.
- After an attack on a bridge linking the Crimean Peninsula to Russia, Russia withdrew from the plan. The strike, according to Russia, did not influence the choice.
- More than 32 million metric tons of Ukrainian agricultural exports were made possible by the effort. Nearly 19 million metric tons were shipped to underdeveloped nations. The project also provided grain to the UN’s World Food Programme.
