Why Putin Won't Stop His Quest for the Black Sea.

The article focuses on the strategic significance of the Black Sea in shaping the future European security order amid ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine. It highlights Russia's efforts to dominate the Black Sea through military expansion and naval modernization, countered by Ukraine's asymmetrical naval tactics and Western support aimed at preserving Ukrainian control of its coastline. The Black Sea region is described as a complex geopolitical arena involving NATO members, aspiring EU and NATO states, and Turkey, which controls key maritime access under the Montreux Convention and seeks to balance regional power without escalating NATO presence. The article emphasizes that sustained Western engagement, particularly U.S. security guarantees for Ukraine, alongside coordinated cooperation among European powers, Britain, and Turkey, is crucial to restrain Russian ambitions and maintain regional stability.