• Maritime Security
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• v.6 no.1
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• pp.57-81
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• 2023

This study aims to review Russia's annexation of Crimea from a maritime security perspective. Based on a comprehensive analysis of Russia's national security perception, this study analyzed Russia's maritime security strategy and the security importance of the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, and reviewed the annexation of Crimea from a maritime security perspective. The main argument of this study is as follows. Russia's annexation of Crimea was necessary for the successful fulfillment of Russia's maritime security strategy in the Black and Azov Seas. Russia's annexation of Crimea guarantees the activities of the Black Sea Fleet militarily from a maritime security point of view, secures a passage to the Atlantic Ocean to counter NATO's expansion. From a economic security point of view, Russia's annexation of Crimea was based on the strategic considerations to secure influence within the Black Sea economic bloc which guarantees stable production and transportation of natural resources and shipping.