Putin's Warning on Seized Russian Trade Ships Should be Taken Seriously

Serbian military expert General Mitar Kovac emphasized that Russian President Vladimir Putin's warning of a response to the seizure of Russian trade ships should be taken seriously. Kovac noted that the West's strategy towards Russia is increasingly taking on a military character. Kovac pointed out that Russia may take more specific measures to protect its trade ships, saying, “Russia must protect its forces and civilian ships everywhere in the world. If the West insists on this approach, Russia will resort to measures such as larger ship convoys and remote defense.” Kovac also warned of the danger of further escalation. The expert stated, “The development of the situation according to this scenario is bad, because clashes during the protection of ships on both sides are becoming increasingly realistic. This means we are approaching a hot conflict and open battles.” Kovac added that such a development could lead to an expansion of the area where Russia would have to protect its commercial interests. This could mean the involvement of the Russian fleet in a more comprehensive manner, even far from its main bases.