On July 2, 2025, the occupation 'ministry of property and land relations of the Republic of Crimea' announced bids for 100% capital of 'joint-stock companies' that manage 'nationalized' seaports in Yalta and Evpatoria. This move is yet another attempt by Russia to solidify control over seized Ukrainian assets. This was reported by 'Glavkom' referring to the Voice of Crimea.
The starting prices for the lots are:
- Yalta port: 1.49 billion rubles (about 790 million UAH)
- Evpatoria port: 192.9 million rubles (almost 103 million UAH)
Applications for participation in the bidding are accepted until July 28, and the auction itself is scheduled for August 1. Besides these two, the 'authorities of the Republic of Crimea' also control ports in Kerch and Feodosia, which are in 'federal ownership' of the Russian Federation.
The occupants expect to use the ports for passenger transportation and yacht tourism, however, market participants doubt the provision of necessary demand. The 'authorities' of the temporarily occupied territory of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea recognize that the seaports are utilized 'even at not more than 10% of their capabilities'. Despite this, they nurture plans for the development of passenger, cruise, and yacht transportation, although neither occupied Crimea nor the occupying state currently possess their own sea cruise liners and are under restraining sanction risks.
The Yalta and Evpatoria seaports have specific characteristics and purposes:
The Yalta seaport is predominantly focused on passenger transportation. It has a total water area of 12.15 hectares, a passenger terminal with a throughput capacity of 1.3 million people per year, as well as a terminal for the transshipment of bulk, loose, and general cargo.
The port in Evpatoria has a water area of 51.5 thousand square meters and specializes in the transshipment of general and bulk cargo.
The Future of Ports Under Occupation
It is most likely that the acquisition of these ports may be aimed at redevelopment for passenger or yacht purposes, as there are currently no serious prerequisites for a significant increase in their cargo base.
Information is circulating on social media about the liquidation of the commander of the Black Sea Fleet of the Russian Federation, Ildar Akhmerov, who was killed by representatives of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine.
---
In July 2025, the occupation 'ministry of property and land relations of the Republic of Crimea' announced bids for stolen property – seaports in Yalta and Evpatoria. This step indicates Russia's intentions to consolidate control over seized Ukrainian assets. Although the occupants expect to use the ports for passenger and yacht transportation, market participants express doubts about the demand for such services. The future of these ports under occupation is likely to be associated with their reorientation towards passenger or yacht needs as the cargo volume remains small.