Why Russia started blockade of the Sea of Azov

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Black_Sea_map.png

Report on Eastern Ukraine war developments.

In August 2018 Russia de facto started blockade of Ukrainian ports in the Sea of Azov:
- to spread panic in Mariupol (Donetsk Oblast);
- to gain support for occupation of land between Donetsk & the Crimea;
- to cut any possible NATO Navy support;
- to undermine Ukraine's trade.


Currently, Ukrainian Navy is too weak to protect Ukraine's interests in the region.

If Putin meets with no resistance, he may consider blockade of the Northern part of the Black Sea, completely stripping Ukraine of its outlet to the sea.