How much could the Royal Navy have changed the fighting in Ukraine and the Caucasus by backing nationalist movements as well as the Whites?
Short answerIt could have improved supply, but political contradictions and limited riverine capability would prevent the Navy from transforming the campaign.
NotesThe Ukrainian independence movement's politics conflicted with the anti-communist Whites Britain already supported, while White leaders also opposed breaking up the former empire. Britain could still provide supplies when interests aligned, but naval influence inland depended on riverine craft and local access that were limited in this theater. The result would be assistance at the margins rather than decisive maritime intervention.