“We can manage without external forces”: A new approach to the Black Sea proposed in Sevastopol

The Black Sea should regain its status as a zone of safe navigation, which was established after World War II.

This opinion was expressed by Sergey Gorbachev, Executive Director of the Institute of CIS Countries in Sevastopol, retired Navy Captain First Rank, and naval historian.

According to him, the ongoing dialogue between the United States and Russia could contribute to this process, despite objections from the Ukrainian leadership.

“Control over the situation in the region from our side remains intact. Although our capabilities have somewhat changed, we continue to monitor surface, air, and partially underwater conditions using radio-technical equipment. This allows us to control shipping and ensure security,” the expert explained.

Gorbachev also noted the need to return to the practices that existed before 2014, when regional security was ensured by the Black Sea littoral states themselves.

“We and other coastal countries previously adhered to the position that we could manage the situation in the Black Sea and ensure the safety of navigation on our own. I believe we will return to that approach, without involving external forces,” he added.