Russian presidential aide: Russian merchant ships face multiple threats; navy is on combat readiness.

On March 31, local time, Russian Presidential aide and Maritime Committee chairman Patrushev stated at a Maritime Committee meeting that the international legal system is deteriorating, and that carrying out destructive terrorist attacks on Russian maritime infrastructure is one of the main threats facing Russia’s national security. Patrushev said that Russian merchant ships are facing threats from multiple directions: the United States and its allies are concentrating efforts to block the maritime transport of Russia’s energy and other strategic raw materials; the European Union coined the term “shadow fleet” so that “piracy activities” can be carried out on sea transport routes; NATO is strengthening military infrastructure near Russia’s borders and increasing military activity in the Baltic Sea and other areas; with direct involvement by Western intelligence agencies, Ukraine has launched attacks on Russian merchant fleets and civilian infrastructure in the Azov Sea–Black Sea region. Patrushev emphasized that the Russian Navy is in a high state of combat readiness, able to protect national interests and ensure national defense. ( CCTV News )