RUSSIAN NAVY TO SHOOT, PARACHUTE, AND ADVANCE IN THE CRIMEA Ukrainian military looks for a safe spot in the Russian exercise

“Taking part in the April maneuvers of the Black Sea Navy will be warships of our strategic partner, the Navy of Ukraine. However, due to fuel shortage, their participation in the exercise will be limited.” This statement by Admiral Viktor Kravchenko, Commander of the Russian Black Sea Navy, was met with amazement at the Ukrainian Defense Ministry. Its spokesman told The Day there were no fuel problems. As it is, Ukraine’s participation in the traditional Russian naval exercise will be determined by the individual combat training plans of Ukrainian warships.

Characteristically, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry has of late adopted an extremely cautious attitude toward any comment on the Russo-Ukrainian naval relationship. Probably because most joint operations are not caused by objective necessity. More likely they serve as a military stage setting for some or other political moves made by Moscow and Kyiv in each other’s direction.

No one knows for sure how many Ukrainian warships will take part in the Russian maneuvers. The Black Sea Navy will involve some 40 vessels, along with air and ground forces. The ground phase deserves separate note as it will include a sea and air landing operations on a trial ground not far from Feodosiya. The troops and ships will practice seizing and holding coastal bridgeheads, followed by an offensive supported by armor, aircraft, and landing ships. One is reminded of the fuss raised by the Russian military and politicians against such landing operations by US and Ukrainian troops in the Crimea during the 1997 Sea Breeze peacekeeping exercise. That time Russia’s no was adamant and the other side obliged. This time the Russian military emphasizes the importance of such operations in the course of the maneuvers.

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Each has his maneuver