Russia's control over the Black Sea is a long-standing obsession that has lasted for centuries.

Since the time of the Tsars, seizing the Black Sea outlet has been the core goal of Russia's southward expansion.

Catherine the Great viewed Crimea as a dowry for Russia, and Putin has also emphasized that Crimea carries Russia's history and pride.

However, if it cannot fully control key coastal states such as Odessa and Mykolaiv, Russia's strategic layout in the Black Sea will still face passive situations.

Odessa Port is the economic lifeline of Ukraine, with about 70% of the country's import and export trade relying on it, and it is also the main channel for grain exports.

Although Russia can temporarily weaken its role through a blockade, only actual occupation can turn this hub into its own advantage and completely sever Ukraine's connection to the sea.

Otherwise, Western aid may still enter through covert channels, and the activities of the Black Sea Fleet will still be constrained by the threat of Ukrainian coastal firepower.

Mykolaiv Oblast is even more critical to the development of the Black Sea Fleet.

It once had significant shipbuilding capabilities during the Soviet era, which could support the construction and maintenance of large vessels.

Losing this base would greatly limit the Black Sea Fleet's ability to update and supply, making it difficult to achieve the long-term goal of dominating the Black Sea.

In addition, although the nuclear power plant in Zaporizhia has been controlled by Russia, it does not fully control the entire region, and the stability of energy supply still faces challenges.

Currently, although Russia has gained a foothold in the Black Sea through Crimea, if it cannot further connect Odessa and Mykolaiv, its vision of an inland sea in the Black Sea will always have gaps.

Only by substantively controlling these key states can Russia turn its historical obsession into true strategic initiative; otherwise, military achievements may remain superficial and fail to fundamentally change the geopolitical landscape.