What are NATO's chances in confronting Russia in the Black Sea?
In an article published in The National Interest, expert Mark Episkopos said that Russia's increased strength in the Black Sea region means NATO has no chance of winning in the event of a potential conflict.
"The West understands its fateful loss in this war"
The author of the article cites Russian President Vladimir Putin's statement that World War III will not start even if Russian ships sink the British destroyer Defender. "Putin's confidence may be completely correct," the observer commented.
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According to Episkopos, the status of Crimea is the basis of the current unstable situation in the Black Sea. For example, Kiev, together with a number of Western countries, is taking symbolic steps to affirm Ukraine's territorial integrity, conducting military exercises near Russian territorial waters in the Black Sea. For its part, the Kremlin is reacting increasingly harshly to these provocations.
The expert stressed that after the annexation of Crimea, Russia has been steadily strengthening the Black Sea Fleet. In particular, the Fleet has received three upgraded missile frigates "Admiral Grigorovich", as well as several diesel-electric submarines of project 636 "Varshavyanka".
NATO's headache
The Zircon hypersonic cruise missile and the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal ballistic missile are limiting the ability of the US Navy's aircraft carrier strike groups to strike deep into the Russian mainland, the expert concluded.
In addition, NATO forces cannot count on support in the region.
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| Warships of the Black Sea Fleet, Russia. Photo: Ria Novosti |
Expert Mark Episkopos concludes that Russia possesses all the means to conduct an effective campaign against the Alliance forces in the Black Sea, however, there is no scenario of a possible conflict, and there are no even hints of an Alliance victory.
