【Russian MP warns: Russian forces can cut off Ukraine's access to the Black Sea】
Russian State Duma member Andrei Kolesnikov warned that if Ukraine continues to escalate the situation in the Black Sea, using unmanned vessels to attack Russian tankers, Russian forces can cut off Ukraine's connection to the Black Sea at any time.
Recently, in an effort to strike Russia's fiscal revenue, Ukraine has resumed hostilities in the Black Sea, deploying unmanned vessels to attack Russian tankers heading to sea, even directly attacking Turkey, which poses a serious threat to Russia's commercial activities.
Andrei Kolesnikov said in an interview with Russian media (Lenta.ru) that Ukraine's actions are comparable to those of Somali pirates, who have long attacked international shipping and were only stopped after joint efforts by multiple parties. Regarding Ukraine's threat to Black Sea shipping, the best solution would be to "prohibit" Ukraine from accessing the sea, confining it entirely to inland areas.
Andrei Kolesnikov stated that Russia could achieve this goal through "gray zone" operations. As long as Ukraine is separated from the sea, it can ensure the safety of Black Sea shipping. Of course, the final decision-making power still lies with the Russian military command.
Andrei Kolesnikov spoke easily, but it is very difficult to implement. In fact, Russia may not even have the capability to do so. At the beginning of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Russia indeed had the idea of advancing to Odessa, depriving Ukraine of its coastline and turning it into an "inland country," but progress was hindered. Now, it is unrealistic for Russian forces to conduct a land-based campaign to clear the Ukrainian coastline. As for launching an amphibious landing operation from the sea, it is simply impossible, considering that Ukraine's unmanned vessels are not easy to deal with.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1850661076087808/
Statement: This article represents the personal views of the author.