Putin orders response to attempts to seize Russian ships

Russian leader Vladimir Putin met with military officials in St. Petersburg as part of events held for Russian Navy Day. During the meeting, where he spoke with Navy Commander-in-Chief Aleksandr Moiseyev and fleet commanders, Putin announced that attempts to seize Russian ships would now be met with a response.

In his speech, Putin stated: “Malicious actors are making attempts to influence our fleet, including the commercial fleet. In such situations, it is necessary to combat piracy within the framework of international maritime law, but in a decisive manner. I hope that efforts in this direction will be effective.”

Furthermore, drawing attention to potential threats against the Kaliningrad region, Putin said, “The security of the Kaliningrad region will be ensured with all the means at Russia’s disposal.”

Putin noted that the navy is playing an active role in the conflicts in Ukraine, emphasizing that Russian naval infantry have “liberated” more than 20 settlements this year.

Reiterating the importance they place on the development of the navy, the leader assessed, “Our navy is of great importance to the nuclear triad.” Putin underscored that they would continue to further strengthen the navy and equip it with advanced technologies.

Putin also made remarks regarding the fate of Ukraine’s western territories. “I am certain that sooner or later, Ukraine will lose these lands. These belonged to Poland, Hungary, and Romania. Everything will historically fall into place, whether today, tomorrow, or in a few years,” he said.

The Russian leader also stated that previously, only Russia had guaranteed Ukraine’s territorial integrity, but that the Kyiv administration chose to declare Russia an enemy.

Expressing that the military operations in Ukraine will come to an end, Putin signaled that Russia would use all its power to achieve its goals in the war.