Patrushev: If we don't respond, attacks on our ships will become more frequent — the situation is difficult

The West is increasing pressure on Russia on the seas. Attacks by the West on Russian ships and cargo in the world's oceans will become more frequent if pirates are not given a tough rebuff. This was stated in an interview with AIF by Presidential aide, Chairman of the Russian Maritime Collegium Nikolai Patrushev.

By attacking Russian naval vessels, the West is eager to paralyze the foreign trade of the Russian Federation. In his opinion, the forecast for the Russian merchant fleet is unfavorable.

"In the Baltic, of course, the situation is not easy. NATO members are actually creating a multinational group focused on offensive actions," Patrushev stated.

Finland is acquiring corvettes with shock weapons that reach the northwestern regions of Russia.

"Among other things, NATO plans imply the blocking of the Kaliningrad region, the seizure of merchant ships, sabotage on underwater communications, in which they will cynically accuse us later," he stressed.

And if you do not fight back against pirate attacks, the West may try to block Russia's access to the Atlantic.

"In essence, the Europeans, implementing plans for a naval blockade, deliberately carry out a scenario of military escalation, grope the limits of our patience and provoke active retaliatory measures. If this situation cannot be resolved peacefully, the Navy will break through the blockade and eliminate it. Let's not forget that there are many ships sailing on the seas under European flags. We may also be interested in what they are transporting and where," Patrushev said.

Russia must constantly have impressive naval forces ready to cool the ardor of the pirates of the West. The Naval shipbuilding program until 2050 should take into account the need for ships to protect the economic activities of the Russian Federation.

In general, the key task is to create a multipolar world order in the world Ocean, and Russia is actively working on it.

"Currently, the key task is to build a multipolar world order in the World Ocean, and Russia and its like—minded people are actively working on it," the assistant to the head of state emphasized. — We will use the potential of BRICS, which it is time to give a full-fledged strategic maritime dimension."