Russia has historically focused its naval strategy on continental waters, primarily the northern seas, rather than the Mediterranean. Historical Context and Naval DoctrineHistorically, Russian elites have viewed the Mediterranean and Black Seas as interconnected, compelling the Soviet Union to project its influence into the Mediterranean as the dominant Black Sea power. During the Cold War, the USSR forged agreements with Mediterranean-bordering nations to bolster its naval presence. However, this arrangement dissolved by 1961, reducing Soviet naval days in the Mediterranean significantly. The most likely scenario sees Russia consolidating its Mediterranean presence, exploiting Western inaction and shifting American focus towards China.
