The Baltic fleet could keep Russia's commercial outlet to world markets open. St Petersburg and the Baltic ports gave it a direct economic purpose whenever Russia faced a regional opponent other than the Royal Navy. Control of the enclosed Black Sea had a more local defensive logic. A Pacific fleet needed an offensive purpose but lacked the supporting industry and transport network. Russia's geography did not suit one standard fleet policy.
Notable Point · 1:23:11-1:24:38
Why the Baltic fleet mattered to Russian trade
The fleet's purpose differed by sea: Baltic trade access, Black Sea control, and a more offensive Pacific role.