The Ukraine's military experts consider the part of the Caspian Sea belonging to Russia to be the main source of danger from a military point of view.
According to statement, the main threat to Ukraine now comes from the Caspian Sea basin, where Russia's strategic aviation airfields are located. The sources say, the Russian Tu-96 MS tactical bombers, which carried out airstrikes against Ukraine, are located at the Engels and Engels2 Air Force Base located on the Caspian Sea. Even experts believe that 80% of those fighters are stationed at the Engels airfield, and the Russians launch missiles at Ukraine from the abovementioned location the Caspian Sea.
Given the placement of military bases in the Caspian Sea, military expert Ramil Mammadli told Ednews about the legal aspects of the issue that certain opinions were expressed in the direction of its disarmament during the determination of the legal status of the Caspian Sea.
"Even in this document, it is stated that the Caspian Sea should be a basin of peace and tranquility. It is a pity that Russia rapidly strengthened its weapons and equipment on the eve of these negotiations, and today it has the most powerful fleet in the Caspian Sea. There are missile-artillery ships such as "Uglich", "Ustyug" and "Dagestan" under its command. I think that the incident of launching missile strikes on Ukraine from the Caspian Sea basin should seriously concern the countries located on the shores of the Caspian Sea basin, and Russia should be urged not to use this sea for military purposes. Although Russia's answer is clear, coastal countries should express their political will to Russia."
Regarding the issue of Russia launching a missile attack on Ukraine from the Caspian Basin, Ramil Mammadli noted that this was one of Russia's old plans.
"Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, the Russian army has constantly used the capabilities of the Russian naval forces located in the Caspian Sea. As it is known, recently, Russia used ships belonging to the Caspian fleet to destroy some targets in Ukraine by using anti-ship missiles. In this combat task, which is usually carried out using "caliber" missiles, some strategic locations of Ukraine were destroyed. Of course, Russia has strengthened its military capabilities in the Caspian Sea very rapidly in recent years, and I can say unequivocally that today, due to the modernization projects implemented in the Caspian Sea over the last twenty years, the Russian army has very powerful missile-artillery ships. Which is capable of destroying targets at a long distance."
The expert added that Russia's strengthening of its fleet in the Caspian Sea can be considered a threat to other states as well.
"Of course, the fact that Russia has such airbase capabilities is a threat to the future of the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. However, it cannot be said unequivocally that Russia will necessarily use those airbases against any country in the future in the context of a conflict. Russia's recent strengthening and arming of the Southern military district by providing personnel and weapons serves to protect Russia's interests in such events. What is happening in Ukraine today is also an example for the countries of the South Caucasus and Central Asia. Taking this into account, I think it is necessary to always be careful in relations with Russia."
By Elnur Anvaroglu