Russia signals naval response if Europe attempts sea blockade

Russia may begin scrutinising vessels sailing under European flags if European countries attempt to impose a maritime blockade, Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Board Nikolai Patrushev said in an interview with Russian media.

According to Patrushev, the security environment in the Baltic Sea region is becoming increasingly complicated. He claimed that NATO states are effectively assembling a multinational force oriented toward offensive operations. As an example, he pointed to Finland’s acquisition of corvettes equipped with strike weapons capable of reaching Russia’s northwestern regions.

He also alleged that NATO planning includes scenarios involving a blockade of the Kaliningrad Oblast, the seizure of commercial vessels, and acts of sabotage targeting underwater communications, after which Russia would allegedly be blamed.

“Let us not forget that many ships sail the seas under European flags. We, too, may become interested in what they are carrying and where they are heading,” Patrushev said.

He emphasised that any attempt to enforce a maritime blockade against Russia would, in Moscow’s view, violate international law, and argued that the notion of a so-called “shadow fleet” has no legal basis. Patrushev added that Russia would initially rely on political, diplomatic, and legal instruments in response to such actions.

However, he warned that if a peaceful resolution proves impossible, the Russian Navy would act to break and eliminate the blockade.

By Tamilla Hasanova