Portnikov: Moscow does not need the Black Sea Fleet

Russian elites need the Black Sea Fleet only for the purpose of creating a television picture in the context of the strategic myths prevailing in Russia. This opinion was expressed by Rosbalt by TBi’s chief editor, political scientist Vitaly Portnikov.

The expert notes that from a geostrategic point of view, basing the Black Sea Fleet in the Crimea does not make any sense. “In the situation that developed after the end of the Cold War, the Black Sea Fleet serves as a decorative structure and is important only as a city-forming enterprise of Sevastopol. Which, moreover, hinders the normal resort and tourist development of the city. But for the current Russian leadership, living in strategic myths, any symbols are good, ”emphasizes Portnik.

According to the political scientist, at one time one of the reasons for the conclusion of the Kharkov agreements was the motivation of the Ukrainian leadership to support Dmitry Medvedev in competition with Vladimir Putin. “Now Ukraine has no more serious levers of pressure on Russia. The lighthouses and the land use theme of the Black Sea Fleet are only pin shots for Moscow. Moreover, the real Russian Black Sea Fleet is not needed. Even the elimination of the Black Sea Fleet would be beneficial for the Russian elites, because today the Kremlin needs it only from the point of view of creating the necessary television picture, ”Portnits is sure.

The expert also notes that Ukraine needs not so much negotiations on lowering the price of Russian gas, but rather a policy of energy saving and refusal of industries, which are considered budget-forming, and which, at the same time, drive the Ukrainian economy into a dead end. “Moscow should abandon senseless Soviet stereotypes, and in Kiev - from energy stereotypes. If these thoughts do not come to the heads of the countries, then their successors will have to decide these issues, ”Portnits sums up.

Recall that on the eve of the next round of negotiations on the cost of Russian gas, the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine proposed to make changes to the country's main energy document - the industry’s development strategy up to 2030 of the year. According to these proposals, gas imports from the Russian Federation should be reduced by two thirds in the coming years.

Comments

[svvaulsh]

The article is about nothing, and the last paragraph is generally to the point. The volumes will be reduced, but not because of "development", but as bypass routes are put into operation, which has long been known to everyone.

[Superduck]

I read these proposals, there we are talking about purchases for Ukraine, not transit. Emphasis is placed on alternative energy sources, i.e. mine methane, well, there are windmills and other frivolous crap, shale gas in the future .. Well, like that, there was practically no talk of reducing industry consumption, except for stimulating the introduction of energy-saving technologies, there are exemptions from VAT and import duties on this business.
Well, regarding the topic of the fleet - well, I agree that Sevastopol is more than a base, it is a political outpost of Russia in Ukraine and the Black Sea in general. But the fleet is closed and its meaning is not very clear, except for the protection of the economic zone (which the Russian Federation has elsewhere in the sea) and the protection against landing operations, which would be well handled by aviation and coastal artillery (missile naturally), but the second point is more of a problem for Ukraine . However, the Russian bases in the Stavropol Territory, although they were slightly secure after pushing the borders of Georgia to the south, but still in ticks of not quite loyal states.
In general, yes, the article is torn and it can be seen that it was written by a person on emotions, or not a professional.

[PSih2097]

Yes, they are in the course of tries ... nothing is needed, now the Mistrals will be driven, what awaits them? - the fate of Kuzi is waiting for them, because there is no infrastructure for them and they will not be able to build in 2 years. What will ensure the military stability of the Mistral at the Black Sea Fleet?

[Superduck]

Duc like they were not going to the Black Sea Fleet but to the Far East were going, or something has changed?

[PSih2097]

One at the Black Sea Fleet, 2 at the Pacific Fleet, where another one is silence (maybe in the Baltic).

[Marat]

They also wrote about this on this site too - Mistral combat stability at the Black Sea Fleet will be provided by 5 or 6 new frigates of the 22 350 series, as well as Talwar type, as well as several 20380 type corvettes - some ships are already under construction. The cruiser Moscow and part of the small missile and anti-submarine ships will also continue to serve. New RTOs and missiles (missile boats) will also be included in the Black Sea Fleet

Talking about the uselessness of the Black Sea Fleet (as the author) is certainly absurd - aviation and coastal complexes do not cancel the fleet - Russia has no right to be weaker there than the Turks - a whole set of geopolitical consequences will immediately follow ...

[esaul]

Marat, this expert from the same basket as that pindus beetle that was yapping about the Caspian Fleet.

[Marat]

I agree Esaul, one of the parts of their propaganda is the uselessness of the fleet and the army - but now "it will not work for them" in my opinion, no one will believe that the Pindos are "white and fluffy" (as unfortunately they believed during perestroika and collapse)

[krymskij]

Our elites do not need anything except money. Black Sea Fleet or Casp.F- why? In general, reduce everything, leave the parade regiment and let yourself march in couturier uniform

[Cvetluy]

The author judges by momentary thoughts, the fleet is needed (there are practically no allies in the World Cup), but Sevastopol is for maintaining politics

[jamert]

Which, moreover, holds back the normal resort and tourist development of the city.

Well, Sevastopol as a resort can hardly be considered attractive - there are too many enterprises. And as a tourist center - so the Black Sea Fleet ships themselves are interesting for tourists. Especially children

[Superduck]

I like Sevastopol horror, if the beaches are normal, then he will not have prices, IMHO the best place in the Crimea will be.

[Oleg]

What sir enterprises did you see in Sev-le? Supermarkets do not count.
As a resort does not become for another reason - high cost. In Turkey it is cheaper to relax, and the service received.
And as a tourist mecca - yes .. stories and stories more than enough.

[zczczc]

The author of the blanket mishandled. The Black Sea Fleet protects against Turkey and, in general, the guarantor of general Slavic security in the region.

[nnz226]

at such a pace, and Ukraine does not need their Naval Forces, especially since they do not actually exist. And they were tearing their throats when carving up the Black Sea Fleet of the USSR, saying that we are a "great (???) sea power (???)" And then we got a loss of the court in Stockholm over the shelf off the Snake Island (Fedonisi before) and from whom? Romanian! Assholes of Europe! And this was in the days of the poor Yushchenko, who actively licked the ass of both the United States and Europe, and that, but nothing - they profiled almost 2/3 of the shelf ... zone of our country? hardly! So, having now as many as 3 NATO countries on the shores of the Black Sea, + cargo + it is not clear where the staring Ukraine with such "experts" is - on the contrary, the Black Sea Fleet must be increased, despite the screams of Kiev. For: "Russia has only two allies: its army and its fleet!" (Alexander 3)

[kagorta]

Sevastopol will have to redeem anyway. This is not Dalniy or Port Arthur, which would be first delivered to the Japanese, and then to the Chinese.
Although it would be better to unite, but in the near future I do not believe in unification, grannies need to be saved.

[merkawa]

The Russian fleet was, is and will be on the Black Sea, everything else is details.

[voin-xnumx]

Russia needs the Black Sea Fleet unequivocally. Just such articles are killing. The author shows black and says that it is white. And we are puffing proving the opposite with foam at the mouth. If such articles exist, then someone needs it.

[esaul]

Right! I read and do everything according to my common sense! And this opinion is in order to know what the enemy wants!

[Uhalus]

And somewhere there was an article that the Caspian fleet was not needed ... Soon there will be works on the uselessness of the Baltic and Pacific fleets, military aircraft, artillery, the army in general ... Insanity!