[DannyTN]

They already had access on the eastern side of the black sea.

It was never about sea access. It's about the natural resources in Ukraine that are now valued at #4 in the world.

The oil and gas are direct competition to Russia's oil and gas. The grain is important too. Steel mills, weapon factories, Russia wanted it all.

[cymbeline]

“It was never about sea access.”

Thanks for enlightening me. What do you think are acceptable goals for Russia in the conflict?