According to the President, one must act carefully but decisively – as one should fight piracy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, while receiving reports from fleet commanders, noted that in case of attempts to seize Russian vessels, it is necessary to act carefully but decisively – as one should fight piracy .

“Konstantin Petrovich (Kabantsov, Commander of the Northern Fleet) and Viktor Nikolayevich (Liina, Commander of the Pacific Fleet) also spoke about attempts by ill-wishers to exert influence on our fleet, including the commercial fleet. I want to draw your attention to the fact that in such cases, of course, it is necessary to act carefully within the framework of international maritime law, but decisively – as one should fight piracy and pirates,” the head of state said .

The President expressed hope that the Navy would effectively cover the Russian commercial fleet: “I count on your effective work in this direction – in covering our fleet” .

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov later clarified that while commercial vessels cannot be armed under international maritime law, the Russian Navy may take measures to protect them .