Naval Blockade and the Russia–Ukraine Conflict

The Russia–Ukraine conflict is also being fought in the maritime dimension. Regarding methods of warfare, of particular note has been the possible existence of a Russian naval blockade in the Sea of Azov and off the coast of Odessa in the Black Sea. The blockade played a significant role in the emergence of the grain crisis, and has been opined to be the main reason why vessels were not able to safely sail out of the Black Sea and deliver grain to areas in other parts of the world that were in much need thereof. This paper explores whether Russia imposed a blockade in a legal sense based on the law of naval warfare—allowing belligerent rights to be exercised—or whether the Russian activities should in fact be regarded as another form of maritime control or dominance over certain maritime areas during an international armed conflict.