The Crimean Mutiny

This flow follows Dmitriev's rejection of the handover, his seizure of authority, and his attempt to remove the American force from the Crimean struggle.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Dmitriev's Resentment

Dmitriev's Resentment A weakened fleet Nikolai Sergeivich Dmitriev recognizes that the Black Sea Fleet lacks the crews and readiness to defeat the Americans. He would like to defend Russian honor, but cannot risk a fight that would destroy what remains of his command. A different priority Dmitriev regards Ukraine, rather than the carrier group, as the enduring threat to Crimea. His restraint is strategic, but it does not mean that he accepts foreign military presence or the loss of Russian authority.

Boychenko's Rejection

Boychenko's Rejection A proposed handover Boychenko tells Dmitriev that he intends to transfer the Crimean Military District to the United Nations. He believes the arrangement can spare his men from an assault by the Ukrainian Army. Loyalties divide Dmitriev does not accept the plan as a legitimate solution. The proposal threatens to divide Russian officers and troops between those who want to go home and those who consider their duty to remain.

Operation Miaky

Operation Miaky The fleet prepares to move Dmitriev organizes Operation Miaky, intended to unite his sailors and preserve the fleet's ability to act. His preparations include gathering trusted crews and aircraft despite the difficulty of securing loyalty. A confrontation is chosen Rather than accept Boychenko's negotiated surrender, Dmitriev views action as a way to defend the district and strengthen his position in the larger Russian conflict. The operation carries the risk of war with the United States and other powers.

The Coup Is Declared

The Coup Is Declared A rival governor After the assassination attempt and strikes, Dmitriev declares Boychenko a traitor and claims authority over the Crimean Military District. He presents the American force as having been neutralized, despite the continuing danger at sea and on shore. The conflict spreads Dmitriev's move turns a disputed transfer into open internal fighting. Boychenko's loyalists face the fleet and naval infantry, while American forces are caught inside the struggle they were sent to prevent.

A Final Sortie

A Final Sortie The carrier becomes the target Dmitriev believes the American group will soon exhaust its fuel and tries to trap it near Kerch. He orders the fleet to sortie, hoping to destroy the Americans or force them into submission. The fleet loses its future Orlando attacks the Pobedonosnyy Rodina with cruise missiles before Dmitriev's force can impose the engagement he wants. Dmitriev survives and requests asylum, ending his military campaign in the same American presence he had hoped to defeat.

At the opening of the story, in Sevastopol

Friday, October 30, in Boychenko's office

Wednesday, November 4, before the ceremony

Thursday, November 5, after the attack on Yalta

Near the story's climax, after the Battle of Kerch