Russian Policy in the Black Sea region: results and new challenges

In the last decade, the geopolitical situation in the Black Sea region is changing rapidly.
The Black Sea states become members of various organizations, and new pipeline projects are
being implemented, which create a new framework for interstate relations. An active policy is
carried out by Western countries, which seek to establish themselves on the Black Sea as the
dominant force. These processes occur against the background of domestic political changes
in the countries of the region, which has a direct impact on bilateral relations both between the
Black Sea states and their level of cooperation with extraregional actors.
Russia’s relations with a number of Black Sea states are emerging in a new way. In recent years,
the nature of interstate relations with Ukraine has changed dramatically. Kiev set a course
for the aggravation of bilateral Russian-Ukrainian relations by defiantly expanding its foreign
policy towards the West. The Crimea’s joining Russia as well as issues related to the Crimean-Tatar population are constantly raised by the Ukrainian side. Kiev deliberately provokes
aggravation of relations in the Black Sea by relying on political and informational support from
the EU and the USA.
Despite the difficult international conditions, Russia managed to build a balanced policy towards
Turkey. Energy cooperation, trade and economic cooperation and regional security issues are
important components of the Russian policy towards Turkey. At the same time, the Russian side
must take into account the discrepancy between the interests of the two countries in the Black
Sea region, and Ankara’s desire to use relations with Kiev and other Black Sea states to promote
its long-term interests.
The Russian foreign policy has achieved some success in maintaining the country’s position in
the Black Sea region. Russian interests are based on the military-political potential, as well as
economic mechanisms. Russian policy is aimed at minimizing the negative effects of influence
in the region of Western states, and expanding political and economic cooperation with the Black
Sea countries.
However, the Russian side has failed to achieve a radical change in the improvement of relations with Bulgaria, which is a member of the EU and NATO. There are difficulties in the political dialogue with Romania, as well. Domestic political events in those countries, and their desire to follow Western countries and plans to join NATO have a strong influence on relations with Georgia and Ukraine. Nevertheless, the positions formed by Russia allow us to count on the protection of its interests and the preservation of influence in the Black Sea region.

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