Ukraine-Russia conflict spreads to sea

As the standoff between Ukraine and Russia intensifies, a military build-up by both countries is threatening to spread the conflict from ground battles in eastern Ukraine into the Sea of Azov

RUSSIA 
UKRAINE
ROM.
BLACK SEA

Russian warships in Sevastopol


UKRAINE

Odessa: Ukraine’s main naval base since loss of Crimea

Sea of Azov: Kiev has deployed two armoured artillery boats and plans to set up
new naval base by end of 2018

80% of Ukraine’s exports pass through sea

Area held by Russian- backed separatists

Donetsk
Rostov
RUSSIA
Mariupol
Berdyansk 
BLACK SEA
Sea of Azov
Simferopol

CRIMEA
Annexed by Russia in 2014. 40,000 Russian troops stationed

Sevastopol: HQ of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet

At least 10 warships and up to 40 patrol boats reportedly deployed to Sea of Azov in recent months

Kerch Strait Bridge: Moscow’s new bridge has cut cargo shipments to Mariupol
and Berdyansk by 27% and 47% respectively since construction began in 2015, costing Ukraine $20-$40 million every year

50km 30 miles


NAVAL FORCES IN BLACK SEA
Ukraine 66 vessels 11,000 service members
Russia 2,800 vessels 25,000 service members


Source: Stratfor      Picture: Associated Press      © GRAPHIC NEWS