Possible plans by Finland and Estonia to impose a complete blockade of the Gulf of Finland for Russian ships could have serious consequences on the international stage. The Russian Foreign Ministry said that such actions would be regarded as a gross violation of international maritime law.

Earlier, the media reported that Helsinki and Tallinn were considering closing the Gulf of Finland to Russian shipping. According to these reports, a blockade could be imposed if there was a threat to the national security of Finland or Estonia. Officials from these countries have not yet confirmed specific details, but the Russian Foreign Ministry noted that such a step would be unacceptable and would entail retaliatory measures.

“Any restrictions on freedom of navigation in international waters, including in the Baltic region, are contrary to the fundamental principles of international maritime law, enshrined in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” — the expert says, emphasizing that Russia’s reaction will be very harsh.