The Strategic Importance of Crimea: Oil Riches and geopolitical Implications

The strategic location of Crimea on the Black Sea, combined with rich oil deposits, has made it a significant geopolitical chess piece. The annexation and occupation of Crimea by Russia have far-reaching implications for both Russia and the United States, but the importance to the US is more symbolic and less about direct strategic interests.

Proximity to Oil Reserves

The waters around Crimea are rich in oil deposits, a fact that is not lost on Russia. Given that Russia fears an independent Ukraine might sell oil to Europe, it found an excuse to annex the territory. This is a recurring theme as Russia attempts to control other strategic locations in eastern Ukraine with similar reserves of fossil fuels.

Strategic Importance for Putin's Regime

Crimea holds significant importance for Putin's ego and strategic ambitions. The peninsula can serve as a naval and air base, allowing Russia to dominate the northern part of the Black Sea. Currently, Russia uses this base to launch attacks on Ukraine, highlighting the strategic importance of the region.

Geopolitical Ramifications for the US

The US sees the annexation of Crimea as a violation of international law and a threat to global stability. However, the strategic importance to the US is less obvious. US ships must navigate the Bosporus Strait to access the Black Sea, and large ships, like aircraft carriers with a displacement of 15,000 tonnes, are not allowed through. This has led Russia to classify its Navy ships as 'cruisers' to avoid this restriction.

As a consequence, NATO aircraft need bases in Romania and Bulgaria to access the Black Sea. The main interest for the West, including the US, is to demilitarize Crimea, an objective that Russia finds deeply opposed. This issue has led to significant tensions and is at the heart of the ongoing dispute.

Geographical Context

Crimea, located in the northern part of the Black Sea, is crucial not just for its strategic naval and energy assets but also for its geographical position. The map below highlights Crimea's position in southern Ukraine and its strategic significance.

Map showing the southern half of Ukraine including the almost-island of Crimea. The black squiggle at upper right between Mariupol and Taganrog is the eastern border of Ukraine while the western border is to the left of Odessa. Crimea is the southern-most part of Ukraine, almost an island, connected to the rest of Ukraine at its northern-most point with an 80 km wide land bridge.

Crimea's easternmost part is separated from Russia by the Kerch Strait, the sole access to the Sea of Azov from the Black Sea. This geographical feature holds significant implications for the region's development and military strategy.

The 2014 Invasion and Occupation

In February and March 2014, Russia invaded and occupied Crimea. This move has been compared to similar historical events, such as Germany's invasion of France during World War II. Russia's actions have escalated tensions in the region and underscored the risk of military escalation.

Russia has threatened nuclear strikes if Ukraine attempts to retake Crimea, citing a significant decline in its conventional military capabilities and an increased reliance on nuclear weapons for national security. This has led to a more aggressive military doctrine, with a lower threshold for the use of nuclear weapons.

Strategic Uses of Sevastopol

Sevastopol, located in Crimea, serves as a well-equipped naval port for the Russian Navy. This port provides access to the Black Sea and, through the Bosporus Strait, to the Mediterranean. This strategic positioning allows Russia to project power southwards and maintain a strong naval presence in the region.

Economic Significance

The economic significance of Crimea lies in its role as a gateway to the western regions of Ukraine. By isolating Ukraine's access to the Black Sea, Russia aims to disrupt Ukraine's economy. Ukraine relies heavily on the export of grain and other products, and any disruption in this access would severely undermine the country's economic stability.

In summary, the strategic importance of Crimea extends beyond its geographical position. The region's oil reserves, naval facilities, and potential for economic disruption make it a critical pawn in the ongoing geopolitical chess game. The US and other nations must remain vigilant to ensure the integrity of international law and support global stability.