Part 3/10:
Historically, Russia has had only two viable options for accessing European markets: St. Petersburg and Black Sea ports. However, accessing St. Petersburg necessitates passing through several other nations, which can create diplomatic challenges, especially in times of conflict. In contrast, the Black Sea presents Russia with a more stable trading window, marked by the strategic Bosphorus Straits and the dependability of its relations with Turkey, which have mostly remained intact over recent decades.