Russia's Maritime Board signals naval role in protecting its shipping

Russia's Maritime Board, chaired by security official Nikolai Patrushev, said on 21 January it had drawn up measures to protect Russian shipping interests, The Barents Observer reported. Patrushev is to present countermeasures to President Vladimir Putin, and Murmansk governor Andrei Chibis, a board member, said the navy's role was becoming crucial. The move followed Finland's seizure of the Fitburg, US action against the Marinera and France's boarding of the Grinch. The newspaper said a Northern Fleet destroyer had been seen escorting sanctioned cargo ships, including the Mys Zhelaniya, near Portugal on 10 January.

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