Russia Signals Forceful Response to Alleged Western “Piracy” Targeting Maritime Trade
Moscow, The Gulf Observer: Russia’s response to what it describes as “Western piracy” targeting its maritime trade should be forceful and not limited to diplomatic measures, an aide to President Vladimir Putin has said.
Nikolay Patrushev, a veteran national security official who heads a naval policymaking body, called for stronger action against Western moves aimed at vessels described as part of an alleged Russian “shadow fleet.” In an interview with Argumenty i Fakty published on Tuesday, Patrushev warned that attempts to paralyze Russia’s foreign trade would only intensify.
“Unless we push back forcefully, soon the English, the French, and even the Balts will get brazen enough to try and block our nation’s access to at least the Atlantic,” he said.
Patrushev accused European countries of effectively moving toward a naval blockade and deliberately escalating tensions. “The Europeans are in essence making steps to impose a naval blockade, deliberately pushing towards a military escalation, testing the limits of our patience and provoking our retaliation. If the situation is not resolved peacefully, the Navy will be breaking and lifting the blockade,” he stated.
He also suggested that Russia could respond by scrutinizing vessels sailing under European flags. “Let’s not forget that plenty of vessels sail the seas under European flags. We may get curious about what they are shipping and where,” he added.
Expressing skepticism about diplomatic solutions, Patrushev said there was “little hope that the West has an ounce of respect for diplomacy and the law.” He argued that the “old practice of ‘gunboat diplomacy’ is being revived,” pointing to US operations targeting Venezuela and Iran.
According to Patrushev, Washington has used warships to target suspected drug smuggling boats off Venezuela and to intercept outgoing oil tankers, including one sailing under a Russian flag. He noted that the Pentagon is concentrating assets in the Middle East as President Donald Trump pressures Iran to accept restrictions on its missile deterrence against Israel.
Patrushev described the Russian Navy as “a geopolitical tool that combines might with flexibility and is suitable for both peacetime and armed conflicts.” He said its strength is necessary to safeguard Russia’s ability to export oil, grain, and fertilizers and to ensure the normal functioning of the state.
