Russian President Vladimir Putin stated this Wednesday (12) that Moscow will respond in kind to the seizure of Russian ships by European Union (EU) countries. He also warned of the growing potential for conflict in the Asia-Pacific region due to NATO infiltration.
“I would like to draw your attention to the recent decisions of the EU. We note that the authorities of some countries, in violation of international maritime law, are trying to restrict the movement of vessels belonging to our economic operators, which, I emphasize, are peaceful. And, recently, they even considered the idea of seizing our ships and selling the goods that were stolen from us”, declared Putin.
Putin’s statements came during a visit to Pacific Fleet exercises in the Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk region. The Pacific Fleet is one of Russia’s main naval forces and works to protect Russian borders and interests in the Far East. Exercises are military training carried out to test the capabilities of the Armed Forces and keep troops, ships and aircraft prepared for combat situations.
The Russian leader described the actions of European countries in relation to the so-called Russian “parallel fleet” as “piracy and theft”. He added that if this “starts to be implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind.”
Vladimir Putin highlighted that this will not necessarily be done in the waters where Russian ships are seized, “but wherever we consider necessary and appropriate, anywhere, including within the area of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet.” Putin stated that the Ministry of Defense has already received the corresponding order.
The commander of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, Viktor Liina, in turn, told the president that his troops have all the necessary forces to inspect and detain merchant ships belonging to hostile countries in their area of responsibility.
The Russian president’s statements come in the context of the 21st round of sanctions against Russia, recently approved. In the new package of restrictions, the EU authorizes the bloc’s countries to sell Russian oil and oil products seized from tankers belonging to Russia’s so-called “parallel fleet”. New regulations also allow grain seized from ships to be offered for sale.
The term “parallel fleet” or “ghost fleet” is used to designate networks of ships that, according to Western governments, are used to transport oil and other Russian products, bypassing international sanctions and restrictions, often with ownership structures and flags from different countries.
At the end of July, Vladimir Putin had already described the seizure of Russian ships as “piracy”. On that occasion, he asked the commanders of the Pacific and Northern Fleets to “act cautiously” within the framework of international maritime law, “but with the firmness necessary to combat piracy and pirates”.
NATO threats
Commenting on what he called “growing NATO threats in the Pacific region”, the Russian president stated that the Western military alliance is increasing the presence of military blocs in the region.
“We see that, unfortunately, the potential for conflict is growing here. NATO is infiltrating, new political-military blocs are being created, new weapons systems are being deployed or planned to be deployed here, which pose threats to our country,” said the president.
In this context, the president emphasized the importance of Pacific Fleet exercises to maintain combat readiness and improve the military component in the region, taking into account the experience of special military operations.
Pacific Fleet exercises to protect the Far Eastern borders began on 4 August. They involve approximately 60 war and support ships, around 30 aircraft and helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and more than 13,000 military personnel.
Source: www.brasildefato.com.br
