Why Black Sea has become the Russia-Ukraine war's most crucial battleground

The Black Sea is a vital trade and security corridor bordered by Europe, Asia, and West Asia, serving as a major route for grain, oil, gas, and other commodities.

Ukraine's deep-water ports and merchant shipping have faced intensified Russian missile and drone attacks, while Ukraine struck Russian 'shadow fleet' tankers Kairos, Virat, and Dashan, and targeted the Tuapse refinery and oil terminal.

The battle for the Black Sea is disrupting global grain and energy trade, damaging critical infrastructure, and raising concerns over maritime security.

For Ukraine, the sea is its primary gateway for agricultural exports, its largest source of foreign currency earnings; for Russia, it provides access to key warm-water ports and is central to military and commercial operations.

On Tuesday, oil loading at the Caspian Pipeline Consortium's export terminal on Russia's Black Sea coast was suspended following a drone strike.