In 1775, the ‘Will’ of Peter the Great, a ruler of a landlocked nation warned his future Russian descendants that whoever approaches “as near as possible to Constantinople and India. Whoever governsthere will be true sovereign of theworld.”
Perhaps, Russian interests today based on the “Will” of Peter the Great are as important as they were back in Soviet days having in mind the Iranian revolution and the invasion of Afghanistan. In this case, having total control over Crimea and mainly the port of Sevastopol, an ice-free water port, would secure an important role within the Black Sea region.
Sevastopol is the only true major warm-water port for Russia, which means that it doesn’t freeze during the winter, unlike the Russian far eastern port of Vladivostok, which remains frozen for about four months. What makes the port of Sevastopol a unique base in the Black Sea region over the port of Novorossiysk is the deep-water harbors and its great strategic importance for Russia’s Black Sea Fleet. There is no doubt why Catherine The Great chose the name of the city, which translates from Greek as the “City of Glory”. There is also a song about the city of Sevastopol titled “legendary Sevastopol, inaccessible to enemies”.
When thinking about Russia’s conditions in the maritime aspect, they remain exceptionally disadvantageous. However, according to Marshall, the port of Sevastopol, apart from the Russian-speaking Ukrainians; played a role that resulted in the annexation of Crimea. The referendum in Crimea, having the support of the Russian parliament is once again a de facto part of Russia. Ukraine responded to the Crimean parliament by calling the vote “unconstitutional” and “illegitimate”.
The Montreux Convention of 1936, Vessels of War, Article 10 states that “In time of peace, light surface vessels, minor war vessels and auxiliary vessels, whether belonging to Black Sea or non-Black Sea Powers, and whatever their flag, shall enjoy freedom of transit through the Straits.” However, in times of war the Montreux Convention of 1936 restricts access into the Mediterranean from the Black Sea.
On the other hand, the Kharkiv Pact is an agreement that gave it the lease of naval facilities in Crimea’s Sevastopol port until 2042 in exchange for a cheap cost of Russian natural gas to Ukraine. What makes the Kharkiv Pact so important, yet so controversial?
As the situation in Crimea is tense and gets worsened, then an actual war over Ukraine would ban the warships to the “belligerent power” from the straits. Thus, Russia’s warships would already be there, due to the signed agreement between Ukraine and Russia – until 2042. In these unprecedented times being aware of an existential threat would make a great power to use force.
Also, according to the Constitution of Ukraine, Article 17 states that “the location of foreign military bases shall not be permitted on the territory of Ukraine.” Thus, the Kharkiv Pact was criticized for violating part of the Ukrainian constitution.
Russia will continue its quest to secure the port of Sevastopol and to influence Ukrainian officials on keeping the neutrality about joining the EU and securing a NATO membership. A red line will mean only if Ukraine chooses to act differently and tries to get closer to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
Is the “Will” of Peter the Great relevant today following Russian foreign policy interests? In other words, is this about traditional expansionism when it comes to Russia’s importance over Crimea and most crucially, the port of Sevastopol?
FAQs
Due to its strategic location and the navigability of the city's harbours, Sevastopol has been an important port and naval base throughout its history. Since the city's founding in 1783 it has been a major base for Russia's Black Sea Fleet. During the Cold War of the 20th century, it was a closed city.
Is Sevastopol Russia's only warm water port? ›
Sevastopol is the only true major warm-water port for Russia, which means that it doesn't freeze during the winter, unlike the Russian far eastern port of Vladivostok, which remains frozen for about four months.
When did Russia lose Sevastopol? ›
During the Crimean War (1853–56), the capture or destruction of this stronghold became the main military object of the allied British, French and Turkish armies opposing Russia. Sevastopol endured an 11-month siege before finally capitulating to the enemy in September 1855.
Who owns the port of Sevastopol? ›
Sea/River Fleet Administration
Sevastopol, city and seaport, Crimea, southern Ukraine, in the southwestern Crimean Peninsula on the southern shore of the long, narrow Akhtiarska Bay, which forms a magnificent natural harbour.
What does Sevastopol mean in English? ›
The name Sevastopol comes from two words: 'sebastos' is the ancient Greek adjective meaning venerable or august, and was commonly used as an honorific for royal leaders. The 'pol' comes from the well-known Greek noun 'polis' or city. Simferopol means “city of common good.” Also Greek.
Why did Russia give Crimea to Ukraine? ›
In 1954, the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet transferred the Crimean Oblast to the Ukrainian SSR from the Russian SFSR. The territory had been recognized within the Soviet Union as having "close ties" to the Ukrainian SSR, and the transfer itself commemorated the Union of Russia and Ukraine Tercentenary.
Is Ukraine attacking Sevastopol? ›
Ukraine says it hit two Russian naval vessels, along with a communications center and several other facilities belonging to the Black Sea Fleet, in a huge overnight attack on the Crimean port of Sevastopol.
What language is spoken in Sevastopol? ›
In this picturesque city, located along the Black Sea on the southern tip of the Crimean peninsula, it's rare to see signs written in Ukrainian, and even more rare to hear anything other than Russian spoken in the streets, shops, or cafes.
Is Sevastopol a closed city? ›
The presence of the Black Sea Fleet and associated naval infantry and airpower, together with its highly-sensitive aerospace industries, made Sevastopol a closed city during the Cold War.
Most of the Russian population is concentrated in the European portion of the country, especially in the fertile region surrounding Moscow, the capital. Moscow and St.
What is the important port of Russia? ›
Largest ports in Russian Federation
| Port | Arrival TEUs last week |
|---|
| Saint Petersburg (ex Leningrad) (RULED) | 7781 |
| Novorossiysk (RUNVS) | 6330 |
| Vladivostok (RUVVO) | 5599 |
| Nakhodka (RUNJK) | 0 |
6 more rowsSevastopol is the main base of the Russian Navy on the Black Sea. Founded in 1783 as a sea fortress, the city of Sevastopol has become a major commercial and military seaport and a tourist centre.
What was the impact of the Battle of Sevastopol? ›
Although defended heroically and at the cost of heavy Allied casualties, the fall of Sevastopol would lead to the Russian defeat in the Crimean War. Most of the Russian casualties were buried in Brotherhood Cemetery in over 400 collective graves.
What are Russia's two most important northwestern sea ports? ›
Murmansk Commercial Seaport (Russian: Мурманский морской торговый порт) is a seaport located on the eastern shore of the Kola Bay of the Barents Sea in the city of Murmansk. The port ranks fourth in Russia in terms of processed goods and is the second-largest port in northwest Russia (after the port of St. Petersburg).
