The sinking of the Russian warship Moskva highlighted the importance of naval conflict in the Russia-Ukraine war. Why is the Black Sea so vital? And is Ukraine up to the task of stopping Putin's fleet of frigates?

Former Royal Navy Captain Chris Clough joins Arthur Snell to discuss the intricacies of naval warfare, what the Moskva sinking means for the conflict, and how real the risk of escalation is as the war moves forward.

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•  “The Russians have always invested in their Black Sea fleet.”
•  “The Moskva is a ship designed around its weapon systems. It epitomises the Cold War.”
•  “Despite the sinking of the Moskva, Russia still has two very capable frigates in the Black Sea.”
•  “I would be much more worried about mines that we can’t see than those that we can.”
•  “Money doesn’t translate into military capability.”
•  “There are too many unknowns to risk any kind of escalation.”

DOOMSDAY WATCH was written and presented by Arthur Snell, and produced by Robin Leeburn with Jacob Archbold. Theme tune and original music by Paul Hartnoll. Group Editor: Andrew Harrison. DOOMSDAY WATCH is a Podmasters production.

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