Strategic Thoughts: The Kerch Strait Incident of November 25, 2018

In this episode we will look at the incident that occurred between Russian and Ukrainian ships in the Kerch Strait on November 25, 2018. Here I will analyze the strategic situation surrounding this clash. Key factors leading to this incident were the legal status of Crimea, the Sea of Azov, Russian-Ukrainian maritime interactions in the region, and Russia's attempts to consolidate control over the area. I will also provide some commentary on possible motivations or thoughts (on the parts of both the Russian and Ukrainian leadership) which caused the Russian and Ukrainian ships to confront each other.

Episode thumbnail courtesy of European Space Agency via Wikipedia.