Russia's vast land borders can obscure the Soviet Union's substantial maritime frontiers. Pack ice and Scandinavia constrained the northern route, while the Baltic and Black Sea offered little room for manoeuvre and only narrow exits. A globally dominant navy was unnecessary to control one of those approaches, but a locally powerful ship could help block it. Geography, rather than prestige alone, created a practical case for a Soviet battle fleet.
Chapter · 19:56-21:27
Why the Soviet Union still wanted a battle fleet
The Baltic, Black Sea, and ice-constrained northern approaches made locally powerful ships attractive despite the Soviet Union's reputation as a land power.