Russia has assessed the arsenal for protecting merchant ships from attacks by Western countries

The Russian Navy has the necessary forces and capabilities to protect merchant vessels and the country's interests both in coastal areas and on the high seas. This was reported to Izvestia on August 12 by military observer, retired Colonel Viktor Litovkin.

"The Russian Navy has all the necessary means and forces to protect its national interests, both in coastal waters, in the oceans and on trade routes," he said.

As the expert noted, the Russian navy has a wide range of forces. It includes surface ships of various types, from cruisers and frigates to corvettes, as well as submarines.

Litovkin noted that Russia has extensive naval aviation capabilities, including fighter, assault, bomber and strategic. According to him, coastal air defense systems and anti-ship systems can also be used to protect merchant ships.

The military observer stressed that the Russian navy has a significant arsenal to ensure the safety of Russian-flagged vessels. According to Litovkin, the seizures of Russian merchant ships may stop if Russia begins to take similar measures against European ships.

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On July 26, Russian President Vladimir Putin demanded a resolute fight against attempts to seize Russian tankers, equating such actions to piracy. The Head of State also expressed hope that the Russian Navy would effectively protect the Russian merchant fleet.

On August 12, Putin announced that Russia would respond in kind to attempts by Western countries to seize Russian merchant ships. Moscow, as Putin emphasized, sees that the authorities of a number of states are trying to prevent the free navigation of Russian vessels. Such steps, according to the Russian leader, not only violate international maritime law, but are also true robbery and piracy.