Russian aggression against Ukraine engendered a new kind of maritime piracy in the Black Sea region.
Thus, on December, 21 Russian reconnaissance aircraft Tu-214R was sighted along the Ukrainian maritime economic zone. Taking into account the fact that on December, 14 Russia shifted two offshore rigs “Petro Godovanets” and “Ukraine”, which had been illegally seized by Russia during the annexation of the Crimea from the area of Odessa gas field closer to the Crimean peninsula. Instead the drilling rig “Tavrida” was set up there.
According to the Russian scenario, seizing the Odessa gas field, Russia can automatically announce this region as its economic zone and leave to Ukraine a 55-kilometer isthmus between Snake Island and Odessa gas field used for maritime traffic and access to the Bosporus.
Thus, skipping rules of international law Russia’s actions are aimed at expanding of its own area of economic influence misappropriating resources owned by Ukraine. Besides, near the Snake Island the main sea route passes from the Bosporus to the northern Black Sea region ports of Odessa, Nikolaev and Kherson. It is a huge part of export and import of Ukraine.
In itself Russia has no need of the Odessa gas field without underwater gas pipelines. The goal of capturing the part of Ukrainian maritime economic zone is also to create the maritime blockade of Ukraine. Thus, Russia tries to isolate Ukraine from the overseas traffic.
Such Russian actions threaten not only Ukraine but also other countries of Black Sea region. Because provoking Ukraine for the conflict Russia will touch interests of Turkey, Bulgaria, Greece and Romania. If someone does not believe, just remember Georgia.
Given the real threat from bellicose intentions of Russia in the Black Sea region these countries should pay careful attention to the issue.
Moreover, the conflict should be resolved purely peacefully. This is evidenced by the recent meetings of the leadership of Turkey, Bulgaria and Greece. Supporting the NATO “open door policy” they clearly expressed the necessity to prevent the emergence of new factors for military conflicts in the Black Sea.
Therefore, it is very important to support Ukraine and to demand from Moscow to desist its military presence on the maritime border of Ukraine.
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