Geopolitical and Geostrategic Advantages of Russia in the Annexed Regions

Alberto Mudjadju"

Russia has several geopolitical and geostrategic advantages in the regions it has conquered in Ukraine. Russia has annexed Crimea in 2014, partially occupied Donetsk (with approximately 61% of its territory under Russian control), almost entirely occupied Luhansk (with approximately 99% of its territory under Russian control), partially occupied Kherson (with approximately 58% of its territory under the control of Vladimir Putin's forces), and finally, partially occupied Zaporizhia (with approximately 72% of its territory in the hands of Moscow's forces). Russia also claims other regions, but does not have full control over them, and the conflict continues, with borders potentially changing. The objective here is to demonstrate the geopolitical and geostrategic importance of these conquered areas for Russia, as they were not conquered by chance. Because Russia has several geopolitical and geostrategic advantages in these conquered regions of Ukraine, starting with control of the Black Sea with the annexation of Crimea in 2014. This is a strategic region that provides access to the Black Sea, allowing Russia to control the channel that connects the Black Sea to the Sea of ​​Azov, as this is the most accessible route for Russia to access these "warm waters," since in the North Pole we have the Arctic, which freezes at certain times of the year and does not facilitate navigation, as it allows access to the sea. Russia also seeks to maintain its influence in the region, especially in areas with ethnic Russian populations such as Crimea and Donbass. Ukraine is rich in natural resources, including natural gas and minerals that are important to the Russian economy. Ukraine is located in a strategic region between Europe and Russia, which makes it an important transport and trade corridor. Russia sees Ukraine as a zone of influence and seeks to protect it from possible Western threats, especially the expansion of NATO. Beyond these geopolitical and geostrategic objectives, Russia seeks to strengthen its global position as a major world power and challenge Western influence, as well as protect its national and regional interests, especially in relation to Ukraine. It also seeks to maintain regional stability and prevent the spread of conflicts to other regions. The loss of Ukraine as a sphere of influence would be a significant blow to Russia because it would reduce its influence in the region; increase the Western presence in Eastern Europe; and compromise its national security. Therefore, Russia has sought to maintain its influence in Ukraine through various means, including support for separatist groups and economic pressure.

Of the regions annexed by Russia, Crimea stands out as particularly important. Beyond providing access to the Black Sea, a crucial route for energy and goods transport, it is home to the Russian naval base of Sevastopol, Russia's main naval base in the Black Sea. Controlling this sea gives the Russians greater influence in the region, not to mention its wealth of natural resources, including oil, natural gas, and minerals. Crimea also represents a significant part of Russian history and culture, considered an important aspect of Russian identity. The annexation of Crimea by Russia also represents a major strategic move, as it helped maintain influence in the region, prevent Ukraine from aligning itself with NATO and the European Union, protect the naval base in Sevastopol, guarantee access to the Black Sea, and control Crimea's natural resources. This major Russian conquest has had significant consequences, including international sanctions against Russia, increased tension with Ukraine, and an impact on the Russian economy. Crimea is of great geopolitical and geostrategic importance to Russia, and the annexation of the peninsula in 2014 was a strategic move to maintain Russian influence in the region. Another region that deserves mention is Donbass, due to its industrial resources. This is a very important industrial region in Ukraine, with coal mines and heavy industry, and it also holds a strategic position, as it is located on the border with Russia and is an important transit region for trade between Russia and Europe. This region has a significant ethnic Russian population and is an area of ​​Russian influence.

2025/12/3