An artist’s rendering of the future Russian Navy amphibious warship Vladivostok. DCNS Photo
More than 400 Russian Navy sailors arrived in France on Monday for training to operate Russia’s two planned Mistral-class amphibious assault ships, according to several press reports. Read More
Matka-class missile boat Priluki in April. RIA/Novosti Photo
Ukraine has recovered 28 ships from the Russian government following the Russian occupation of Crimea in March, according to information from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. Read More
Dupuy de Lôme
A French signals intelligence ship has reentered the Black Sea, according to several local media reports. Read More
Donbass residents vote in the referendum on the status of the self-proclaimed Donetsk People’s Republic. RIA/Novosti Photo
The referenda held Sunday in Ukrainian regions Donetsk and Luhansk have been denounced by many—but deserve cold, rational consideration. This is the prequel to the upcoming 25 May elections, conducted in a state of civil unrest—near civil war—in eastern Ukraine. Read More
Russian ship Moscow in 2009.
Russia will undertake a significant naval increase in the Black Sea following the Russian seizure of Crimea, Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said during a Tuesday teleconference. Read More
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu. RIA Novosti Photo
In the extended haggling for influence in Ukraine, the U.S. led yesterday with third round of targeted sanctions against Russia. Read More
USS Taylor (FFG-50) departs Naval Station Mayport in 2014. US Navy Photo
U.S. Navy frigate USS Taylor (FFG-50) has returned to the Black Sea for the second time in as many months, service officials told USNI News on Wednesday. Read More
ODESSA, Ukraine — The flagship of the Ukrainian sea service now sits parked in a commercial port in the picturesque seaside town of Odessa, more known for its nightclubs than its military infrastructure. Next to it floats a handful of tiny coastal boats sporting Ukraine’s colors, blue and yellow.
This is all that’s left of Ukraine’s navy. Read More
In Tartu Estonia, there is a building on the main square, constructed on an uncertain foundation that leans precipitously. The locals call it the “Leaning House” or the “Pisa Building.” Ironically, it leans to the west, appearing something like a hunting hound straining at the leash to be loosed to run after its quarry. In this case, though, complex histories, and Russia, are the leash.
An anti-Putin protester. Reuters Photo
This is the second of two articles on the current crisis in Ukraine and on possible policy options for the international community. The first was on history of conflict in the region.
The Ukraine’s current turmoil and the standoff in the Crimea make for a complex strategic issue in Russia’s near-abroad, where Russia holds many of the cards to advantage.
But the leaders of Western Europe, Ukraine, and the United States are not bereft of policy options either. Read More
