Russian ambassador: NATO plans maritime blockade of Russia

Nikolay Korchunov, Russia’s ambassador to Norway, has accused NATO of “stoking unhealthy hype and engaging in confrontational activities,” claiming the alliance is considering plans for a partial or full maritime blockade of Russia.

The diplomat stressed that Russia poses no threat and is not seeking confrontation with Norway or any other NATO country. However, he warned that Russian authorities “will respond adequately to threats created against us.”

“NATO countries have significant naval capabilities and have already shown a willingness to use them to restrict freedom of navigation in violation of fundamental international law… The seriousness of such unlawful moves should not be underestimated,” Korchunov told Izvestia newspaper.