[060314.EN.SEA] Russian Warships Seize Kerch Strait, Crucial in 1853-56 Crimea War

UKRAINE border guards have confirmed that Russian warships have blocked the Kerch Strait which separates Ukraine's Crimea and mainland Russia, a narrow strait known for its convenience of ship-to-ship transshipment.

In the 1853-1856 Crimea War, the seizure of the Kerch Strait by the Royal Navy resulted in a blockade of the Sebastapol fortress, which resulted in the collapse of the Russian garrison as it was starved out.

Perhaps in an effort to forestall another blockade, two Russian warships stand guard over passage to the Sea of Azov, into which the Don River flows and from which a secure supply chain to feed today's garrison can be established.

One Ukrainian border patrol spokesman confirmed that "the action [blockade] does not affect civilian shipping."

Russian armoured vehicles have been seen on the Russian side with Russian servicemen in control of the Crimean side of the channel, according to border guards.

Source : HKSG.