Russian President Vladimir Putin said hostile actions targeting the Russian merchant fleet should be treated as piracy. According to the remarks referenced in the report, he argued that any attempts to harass Russian commercial vessels must be confronted decisively.
Putin made the comments during a meeting on Sunday, framing interference with merchant shipping as a serious threat rather than a routine dispute at sea. His language suggested that Moscow sees pressure on its civilian fleet as crossing a major line.
The statement highlights Russia’s focus on the security of its merchant vessels and the broader issue of safe maritime navigation. By comparing such actions to piracy, Putin signaled support for a tougher response to any moves seen as obstructing or intimidating Russian shipping.
While the available report does not provide wider operational details, the message from the Kremlin is clear: Russia wants hostile acts against its merchant fleet to be viewed as unlawful and to be countered firmly.
