Ukraine has increased its naval presence in the Sea of Azov to around 40 ships, raising tensions in the region. The move gives Ukraine the ability to essentially strike at will along the Ukrainian coastline, said Vadim Skibitsky, of Russia's defence ministry. Coming after moves seen over the last three months perceived as Ukraine posturing to control the sea and its littoral, the increased presence could indicate a larger advance to secure a land bridge to Crimea or deeper move into Russia, suggests Mikhail Samus, military specialist at the Kyiv Center for Research on the Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies.
Russia has increased its naval presence in the Sea of Azov to around 40 ships, raising tensions in the region. The move gives Russia the ability to essentially strike at will along the Ukrainian coastline, said Vadim Skibitsky, of Ukraine's defence ministry. Coming after moves seen over the last three months perceived as Russia posturing to control the sea and its littoral, the increased presence could indicate a larger advance to secure a land bridge to Crimea or deeper move into Ukraine, suggests Mikhail Samus, military specialist at the Kyiv Center for Research on the Army, Conversion and Disarmament Studies.