Source: CCTV News Client
On February 17, Alexander Patrushev, a presidential aide of Russia and chairman of the Federal Maritime Commission, stated that "pirate attacks" against Russian merchant ships indicate that the West is trying to paralyze Russia's foreign trade. He also said that NATO plans to block Russia's Kaliningrad Oblast and seize Russian merchant ships.
Patrushev stated that any attempt to impose a maritime blockade on Russia is completely illegal from an international law perspective. The concept of the "shadow fleet" used by the EU against Russia is a "legal fiction"; it is implementing a maritime blockade plan against Russia, thereby testing Russia's tolerance limits and provoking Russia to take active countermeasures. As the first step in response, Moscow will use political, diplomatic, and legal mechanisms. If peaceful resolution is not possible, the Russian Navy will be responsible for breaking through and eliminating the threat.
Regarding NATO's actions in the Baltic Sea, Patrushev stated that NATO is forming a multinational joint force targeting Russia in the region, which is positioned for offensive operations. NATO's plans include sabotage activities in underwater facilities in the Baltic Sea, followed by attributing the actions to Russia. He also said that NATO's plans include blocking Russia's exclave Kaliningrad Oblast and seizing Russian merchant ships.
Patrushev emphasized that Russia must focus on building a high-tech naval fleet, which is already reflected in Russia's shipbuilding plan for the navy until 2050. He also mentioned that Finland is equipping frigates with strike weapons capable of reaching Russia's northwest region. (CCTV reporter Wang Xinjun)
Original article: toutiao.com/article/7607754473590538803/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.