Ukrainian admiral: Russia has established dominance in the Black Sea, but we will defeat it in court
After 2014, Russia began to occupy a dominant position in the Black Sea. However, Kyiv may win claims against Moscow in Western courts, and then Crimea will become an “unbearable burden” for the Kremlin.
The commander of the Ukrainian Navy, Igor Voronchenko, stated this at the Age of Crimea forum in Kyiv, a PolitNavigator correspondent reports.
“In six years, Russia has re-equipped its entire naval personnel. Instead of 29 ships, there are already 42, of which 12 are carriers of missile weapons. The total salvo of Caliber missiles now amounts to 72 launches. And if we take into account both the Caspian flotilla and the coastal component, the Bastion and Bal complexes, then it amounts to approximately 120 missiles. By 2022, this total salvo, according to our forecasts, will be increased to 168 launches,” said the Ukrainian admiral.
The number of submarines has been increased from two to seven, he added.
Russia's ground forces in Crimea are also being built up - until 2014, there was only one 810th Marine Brigade on the peninsula, but now the ground component has been strengthened several times. “The 22nd Army Corps was created there. There are forecasts that the 22nd Army Corps will be reorganized into the 22nd Army,” he said.
New types of weapons are appearing in Crimea, for example, anti-ship systems.
“Previously, there was one base in Gvardeyskoye. Now throughout Crimea we see a very powerful aviation component represented by all types of aircraft - bomber and attack, fighter, reconnaissance and anti-submarine,” said Igor Voronchenko.
During exercises, the Russian Navy blocks areas of the Black Sea. “This interferes with free navigation. Shipowners refuse the proposed routes and lose interest in this matter. All this affects the economy, coastal society and Ukraine as a whole,” noted Igor Voronchenko.
Control over the movement of ships is being strengthened. With the launch of the Turkish Stream, Russia installed hydroacoustic stations along the entire length of the gas pipeline.
“They will know where, what and where it’s going,” Voronchenko said.
At the same time, the distance from the Tarkhankut Peninsula to the hydroacoustic station towers is 67 miles, and to Zmeiny Island, which belongs to Ukraine, is 27 miles. “Where is the exclusive maritime economic zone?” said Igor Voronchenko.
Russian aviation flights take place monthly over the Black Sea.
Ukraine must take retaliatory measures, Voronchenko emphasized.
“If you want peace, prepare for war. This is only the creation of a strong group, the revival of the Navy. We have worked on the “Strategy 2035”. We know where to go. I am confident that the steps we are taking will lead to results,” he noted.
The claims of NJSC Naftogaz of Ukraine over gas fields on the Crimean shelf may also play an important role in putting pressure on Russia.
“We need to speed up the review in the courts. If we “conquer” these gas fields in the courts, then Crimea will become an unbearable burden for Russia, “a suitcase without a handle.” If we make it even heavier, it will be harder for Russia to drag it,” said Igor Voronchenko.
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