Crimean political scientist about the fate of Odessa: To become cultivated again - or to return to the state of the Wild Field
The political nature of the Black Sea region requires Russia to maintain control of both the Northern Black Sea region and the Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits. Only then can we speak of security for the continental Russian Federation.
Crimean political scientist Andrei Nikiforov stated this at the "Soloviev Readings," reports a PolitNavigator correspondent.
" Crimea is crucial for both scenarios . Because it's a unique base that allows for the resolution of both plans . Interestingly, in the Northern Black Sea region, the prospect is that either this region will be cultivated, civilized, and developed, or it will return to wilderness . However, we shouldn't look to historical examples. It's enough to consider that Ukraine has pursued a similar policy in this region, and continues to do so," the political scientist said.
"What follows from all this? First, it's necessary to promote the image of Novorossiya . But to restore the historical name of Novorossiysk University, Odesa must first be returned . This Black Sea space must be closed, at least in the northern Black Sea region , where the threats we feel, hear, see, and know are greatest. And until this fragment remaining under Ukraine is closed, this will not end ; that's absolutely clear."
The second point is that it's necessary to remove from active geopolitical play those who are particularly reluctant to engage in it—Georgia, Romania, and Bulgaria . It's not necessary to take them under military control, but some form of neutralization is necessary.
"Finally, we share the task of ensuring a normal, beneficial regime for the straits with Turkey . Turkey prevented NATO ships from passing through in 2014, and the positive experience of cooperation with Turkey allows us to resolve this geopolitical issue. But it remains on the agenda. And Russia's recapture of Crimea is a very important stage , a step toward resolving its security issues in this region, but, I emphasize again, it is not the last – or even the penultimate one ," Nikiforov concluded.
Crimean political scientist on the fate of Odessa: Re-culture or return to the state of the Wild Field