Black Sea Fleet
The Black Sea Fleet (Russian: Черноморский флот) is a large sub-unit of the Russian (and formerly Soviet) Navy, operating in the Black Sea and the Mediterranean Sea since the early 18th century. It is based in various harbours of Russia's Black Sea and Sea of Azov coast. The Fleet's main base is situated in the Ukrainian port city of Sevastopol. The continuing use of this base, more than a decade after the collapse of the Soviet Union, has been an occasional irritant in the relations between Russia and Ukraine.
The Black Sea Fleet is considered to be founded on May 13, 1783. It is a fleet of enormous historical and political importance for Russia. However, its military importance is degrading since the collapse of the Soviet Union, mainly due to significant funding cuts.
Earlier, Turkey's decision to join NATO (putting the Bosporus Strait under Western control) and invention of long-range nuclear weapons have dramatically decreased the strategic value of any naval activity in the Black Sea.
However, recent local conflicts in the Caucasus region (particularly in Georgia) and the development of oil transit in the region are forcing Russia to support the fleet as much as possible.
The aviation, marines and landing vessels of Black Sea fleet took part in the Chechen War by means of both auxiliary support and direct involvement.
The fleet has been free of nuclear weapons since the early 1990s.
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