[redgolum]

And if Russia sends it’s Black Sea Fleet in?

What will Turkey do? Follow the treaty (which requires it to allow passage) or close the straits, which can be a cause for war?

[pierrem15]

It could simply close the straits-- and sending the Black Sea fleet close to land to attack Turkey would be a good way to turn it into an artificial reef.

One of the big military advantages Russia now has is that its fleet is well covered by Russian air bases. Moving to the southern Black Sea would impinge seriously on the fleet's air cover and bring it within range of on-shore missile batteries, torpedo boats, etc.

[Paul R.]

Why is anyone of significance afraid of the Black Sea Fleet? Because of the name? Good God, barring a truly catastrophic mistake in strategy, the ITALIAN NAVY alone could defeat Putin’s Black Sea fleet, probably with “one hand tied behind their back”.