Based on Russia's geography, why would a port on the Baltic Sea be important?

Question

One of Russia's czars fought several wars in order to extend his territory as far as the Baltic Sea.

At that time, Russia only had ports on the north- The Barents Sean, the Kara Sea, the Arctic ocean, etc.

Why would a port on the Baltic sea be so important?

Answer 1

Principally because of access to Europe, but also because most Russian ports freeze over in the winter, and the warmer waters of the Baltic would be open more of the year.

The exception is the Black Sea ports, however the Black Sea can easily be blockaded, and Russia has wanted more access for trade and other seafaring needs.

Answer 2

Well, technically, Russia can have ports in many places, like you said, in the north, but that's near the arctic circle and they freeze over in the winter. Baltic ports are warm all year round. Also, none of them are efficient connections to Europe, being so high up. A Baltic port is essential to Russian import and export, being quicker and more centralized; it gives them a realistic connection to the European nations. Without the Baltic ports, Russia wouldn't have gotten half as powerful as it did. St. Petersburg was set up as the port city and thrived because of that.

Answer 3

It has a better access to all Europe and because many of the other ports in Russia freeze in the winter but the Baltic sea is warm most of the time.

Answer 4

Simplist answer: To have a port that stays open all year round in Europe. Their other ports in Europe tend to freeze solid in winter. As a country you need ports for trade and commerce & in Russia's case for the Navy.