Russia's security policy in the Baltic and Black Sea region : the case of Ukraine

Publ. rec. Bibliogr. na s. 167-169

Countries located between the Baltic Sea and Black Sea coasts (called the Baltic and Black Sea region) are of particular importance to the Russian Federation and are considered a strategic area of the world. Until the breakup of the Soviet Union this region had played a prominent role not only in a military way but also politically, commercially and economically. The author of this article formulates a hypothesis that Russian actions towards Ukraine, with the Crimea annexation, war in Donbas and many more, result from the strategic objectives of Russia, such as aiming to achieve the reconstruction of their superpower position by creating strong Eurasian Union, with Ukraine as a part of it. Security policy presented by the Russian Federation towards Ukraine results from Russian strategy and is fully compatible with its less aggressive actions towards countries located in the Baltic and Black Sea area. A total dominance in the Baltic and Black Sea region with the subordination of neighboring countries is the aim of Russia. For strategic reasons, to maintain free passage to the Mediterranean, Russia has ensured wide access to the Black Sea. Another Russian target is wider access to the Baltic Sea, especially to its ports. Russian security policy towards the Baltic and Black Sea region results also from Russian rivalry with the USA and China.