The littorals, narrow seas, brown water or coastal areas, whatever definition, warfare in a coastal environment favors the defender due to environmental characteristics. But is this theory valid even when an actor does not hold the ability to organize an effective defensive system along its coastline? How can a weaker defensive actor create a naval ability to strike towards and deny a stronger opponents’ sea control?This thesis investigates the shift in initiative and command of the seas in the Black Sea during the first two years of the war between Russia and Ukraine.The result is two-folded; Even when almost totally erased, a coastal state can conduct sea denial and even establish local sea control to protect its own coast. Unfortunately, this thesis cannot validate if these actions will lead to victory at sea, even less victory of the war.