3 ms·
They are comparable. The most efficient shipping method is by sea, the fastest one is by air. The importance of that chokepoint is debatable. Flying distance t
by Const-me 4y ago
They are comparable.
The most efficient shipping method is by sea, the fastest one is by air. The importance of that chokepoint is debatable.
Flying distance to Moscow is different but not substantially so, 450 versus 600 km.
There's nothing too important in Belgorod or Rostov, while Saint Petersburg is 2-nd most populated city, and has industries related to the military.
Historically, Russian governments also viewed these places as strategically important. They annexed these lands by force, twice: after the Great Northern War of 1700–1721, then once again after WW2.