In the spring of 2021, Russia conducted a sizeable military buildup along its border with Ukraine and in occupied Crimea. Most of these deployments were spontaneous and unrelated to any scheduled training exercises. Russia’s activity has not been limited to the land. There has also been a Russian buildup at sea. Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Moscow has essentially turned the Sea of Azov into a Russian lake—and hopes to do the same to the Black Sea. This is a direct threat to U.S. and NATO security interests. Many of the recent initiatives regarding the Black Sea at the NATO level have not met expectations. The U.S. needs to be a leader inside NATO to help Ukraine enhance security in the Black Sea and Sea of Azov.

KEY TAKEAWAYS A sovereign and secure Black Sea and Sea of Azov are critical to keeping the region free from Russia’s maligned influence.

Russia’s mounting aggression around Ukraine’s border at land and sea directly threatens U.S. and NATO security interests.

The U.S. should think outside of the box as it builds a strategy to counter Russian aggression and work with NATO to enhance the security in both seas.

The full text of the report is available:
www.heritage.org/global-politics/report/us-leadership-needed-improve-maritime-security-the-black-sea-and-the-sea