Murrett Quoted in Newsweek Article on Putin's Latest Black Sea Ploy

December 27, 2023

Newsweek

Robert B. Murrett

Public Administration & International Affairs Department

Syracuse University Institute for Security Policy & Law

Conflict

Defense & Security

Russia

Ukraine

Newsweek

Robert B. Murrett

As Russia prepares to shift some of its forces eastward in the Black Sea, the move away from Ukraine's coast may not be enough to protect the Black Sea fleet from the looming threat of Ukrainian F-16s.

Satellite imagery has suggested that Russia could be preparing for a new Black Sea naval base in a breakaway region largely recognized as being part of Georgia. Construction work and dredging is visible in images of the Ochamchire port in Abkhazia.

"Ukrainian forces have continued to mount attacks on Russian ships and port facilities in waters adjacent to Ukraine, in Crimea and beyond," says Vice Adm. Robert Murrett (Ret.), professor of practice of public administration and international affairs. Several damaging attacks on Russian Black Sea fleet bases in recent months have "provided strong incentive to Moscow to seek a safer harbor in the Abkhazia region," he says.

Read more in the Newsweek article, "Putin's Latest Black Sea Ploy May Not Save Russia's Navy."