Experts warned of the illegality of ship inspections in neutral waters
The inspection of ships in neutral waters is contrary to international law and could be seen as an illegal crossing of the state border, former first deputy deputy commander of the Baltic Fleet Alexander Brazhnik told Izvestia.
"It would be an illegal invasion of the territory of Russia or another country. This is how such attempts can be assessed. In their own territorial waters, countries can inspect cargo," the admiral clarified.
This is how he commented on the words of Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk that NATO countries want to control civilian ships in the neutral waters of the Baltic Sea.
The military and political leadership of these NATO countries assess their rights and capabilities above the existing international agreements, the admiral noted.
"In the seas there are international and territorial waters. In international waters, the inspection of ships is a violent action. A warship carries the flag of its state and its captain is responsible for ensuring that international law is not violated. The agreements we know and honor cannot be violated without the consent of state structures. And, if someone forces the captain of a civilian vessel to search - it will be a violation of international maritime law and it will be done with the consent of this or that state," he explained.
If such events occur, the Baltic Fleet will counter the threat to shipping, the admiral believes.
Read more in Izvestia's exclusive piece:
Maritime intrigues: NATO countries are getting to the point of inspecting ships in the neutral waters of the BalticSea