Black Sea Navy in the Service of the First Diplomatic Mission of Russia in Greece

Abstract

The article presents an in-depth examination of previously unexplored historical materials regarding the role of Russian naval forces in supporting Russia's first diplomatic mission established in Greece shortly after the country gained independence. Drawing on a range of newly discovered archival documents from the Archive of Foreign Policy of the Russian Empire under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, this research sheds light on the activities and contributions of Russian warships belonging to the Black Sea Fleet, which operated near the Peloponnese in close proximity to the Greek diplomatic establishments in Nafplio and Athens. Due to the restrictive conditions set forth by earlier Russian-Turkish treaties, Russia required special permission from the Ottoman Empire to pass its naval vessels through the Black Sea straits. This unique arrangement allowed a limited number of light warships to provide logistical support, facilitate urgent diplomatic assignments, and ensure secure diplomatic correspondence.
The Russian naval presence was notably concentrated on the island of Poros, strategically located near the port of Piraeus. This location served as a vital operational base, fostering closer diplomatic and maritime cooperation between Russia and the newly formed Greek state. Noteworthy among the commanders who annually rotated into this diplomatic naval service were future prominent figures in Russian naval history: young lieutenants Vladimir Kornilov, Vladimir Istomin, and Yevfimiy Putyatin. These officers, who would later gain widespread recognition as distinguished admirals and diplomats, gained invaluable early career experience through their assignments in Greek waters.
The study further emphasizes the multifaceted role of Russian naval forces, not only in providing diplomatic and logistical support but also in conducting critical surveillance, intelligence gathering, and protection of merchant shipping throughout the Greek Archipelago. Ultimately, this detailed investigation underscores the significant yet largely unrecognized contribution of the Russian Black Sea Fleet to Russian-Greek diplomatic relations, illuminating an important chapter in maritime and diplomatic history during Greece's formative years as an independent state.