Part of: GS Prelims and GS II – International Relations
In news
Ukraine and USA launched joint naval Exercise ‘Sea Breeze’ in the Black Sea to show Western cooperation with Ukraine as it faces off with Russia.
The exercise Sea Breeze has been held since 1997, involving NATO states and their allies.
This edition (2021) will be the largest In Exercise’s history that will involve some 5,000 military personnel from more than 30 countries.
Aim of the Exercise
Improving naval and land operations
Improving cooperation among participating counties.
Sending a powerful message to maintain stability and peace in the region.
Significance of Black Sea for Russia
The unique geography of the Black Sea region provides several geopolitical advantages to Russia
Russia has always wanted to control the region.
It is an important crossroads and strategic intersection for the entire region.
Its Access greatly enhances the projection of power into several adjacent regions.
The region is an important transit corridor for goods and energy.
It is rich in cultural and ethnic diversity, and shares close historical ties with Russia.
About Black Sea
It is marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
The bordering countries of Black Sea are: Russia, Ukraine, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria and Romania.
It is the largest water body with a meromictic basin
It means the movement of water between the lower and upper layers of the sea is a rare phenomenon which is also responsible for its Anoxic Water (significant absence of oxygen in the water).
