Rome, June 14, 2022 – Una Russian ship – l’cruiser Varyagtwin of the Moscow sunk off the coast of Odessa in the war in Ukraine – in recent days it was reported 150 miles off the coast of Santa Maria di Leucain Puglia. Then he left for Crete. But the sighting, only the latest, created some tension. Although the Navy has never lost sight of anything.
What is happening in the Mediterranean?
To the question Gianandrea Gaianidirector of ‘Defense Analysis’, explains: “What happened in the days of cold War, when the Russian fleets from the Black Sea entered the Mediterranean, they had a base of support in Syria, in Tartus, which still today is their large base in the Mediterranean. They maneuvered in the Strait of Sicily, between Gibraltar and Suez, they showed up and above all they sent ships to keep an eye on the exercises of the American Sixth Fleet “.
What is Putin’s goal?
“The Russians’ goal – explains Gaiani – is to show the flag, collect information, intercept communications. A little like what our fleets do when they go to browse the Black Sea or the Baltic, not far from the Russian naval bases “.
What does the law of the sea provide?
“At 150 or 300 miles from the coast, traffic is free, I’m not territorial waters. In a time of war, NATO and Russia flex each other’s muscles and do so even in the sea. The Chief of Staff of the Navy, Admiral Enrico Credendino, stated that there are currently 18 navi from war and two submarines Russians in the Mediterranean. They serve to show that you are there, you have important naval forces, you make yourself seen close to the opponent’s waters as well as the opponent does with you. In short, it is the principle of deterrence. The same thing happens in the sky, with weekly aerial duels “.
But can these tests of strength get out of hand?
“Everyone – specifies Gaiani – has rules of engagement for avoid clashes. When an English ship violated these unwritten rules in Crimea last year, the Russians fired cannon shots, bombs from aircraft around, not on him, to tell him to leave. “
What should we expect?
“What this tug of war continue as long as there are tensions between Russia and NATO “.