Russian President Vladimir Putin has called on the Navy to combat the seizure of tankers as piracy. He stated this at a meeting with military personnel of the Navy in St. Petersburg.
This is how Putin responded to the statements of the participants of the event "about attempts by ill-wishers to influence our fleet, including the commercial fleet." The meeting was broadcast by the Rossiya-24 TV channel.
"I want to draw your attention to the fact that in such cases it is necessary to act carefully, within the framework of international maritime law, but decisively — in the same way as it is necessary to fight piracy and pirates," Putin said.
The relevant commands should have been received by the sailors from the fleet commander, the president noted.
"Therefore, you and I understand each other and hope for your effective work in this area, to cover our fleet," Putin added.
The Russian leader expressed the hope that the Navy will effectively cover domestic vessels.