Nikolai Patrushev, who serves as the Secretary of the Security Council of Russia and chairman of the maritime committee, expressed serious concerns over Finland's activities, accusing Western nations of attempting to paralyze Russia's foreign trade by targeting its maritime transport. In an interview with the Russian magazine Argumenty i Fakty, he claimed that the number of "piratical attacks" on Russian vessels is likely to increase, reflecting a heightened tension in the region amidst ongoing sanctions from the EU and the U.S. aimed at crippling Russia's oil exports.

Patrushev did not specify the exact actions he was referring to, but he indicated that any attempts to blockade Russian shipping will be met with a strong naval response. This statement comes against the backdrop of intensifying Western restrictions and surveillance on what is termed the 'shadow fleet,' which consists of vessels aiding in the export of Russian oil and other goods amidst sanctions. His remarks signal a shift toward more aggressive military posturing in the Baltic Sea, where Russia is keen on asserting its maritime rights.

Furthermore, he warned that without resistance, Western nations like England, France, and even the Baltic states would become increasingly bold in their efforts to restrict Russia’s access to the Atlantic, painting a picture of an escalating geopolitical confrontation. Patrushev's comments underscore the importance of Finland's actions in the region and how they are perceived in Moscow, suggesting that any significant developments could trigger serious reprisals from Russia, potentially destabilizing the already tense situation in Northern Europe.