Destroying the Ottoman squadron could still be defended as an attempt to cut supplies to an active land offensive. Turning Russian guns onto the shore batteries was harder to frame that way because it opened the port to a possible invasion. The distinction mattered under the prior Anglo-French warning that neutrality depended on Russia remaining defensive. The attack on the harbor defenses therefore supported the claim that Russia had crossed from interdiction into aggression.
Notable Point · 58:27-59:35
Why destroying Sinop’s batteries changed the diplomatic case
Bombarding Sinop’s harbor defenses made the Russian action easier to portray as preparation for invasion rather than convoy interdiction.