An explanation of why Snake Island turned into a flashpoint...

"Snake island is key for russians to maintain the #Odesa blockade" says @YorukIsik, non resident scholar at the @MiddleEastInst#UkraineRussiaWar 🇺🇦🇷🇺 pic.twitter.com/A6j0G7WliG

— The Debate – France 24 (@F24Debate) June 23, 2022

Well its an explanation. Still don't get it. Coastal Defense Units (Missile Marines) are setup to control sea lanes and this type thing is tailor made for them. Missiles from shore can reach out and touch any ship that tries to navigate these waters. So why fight over one miserable rock? One frigate stationed far enough out should be able to cover this without putting men/equipment in harms way by occupying the island.