Russian presidential aide and chairman of the Maritime Collegium Nikolai Patrushev said the UK and several EU countries are planning to restrict Russian ships' access to international shipping lanes, which he sees as an attempt to impose a naval blockade. In an interview, Patrushev stressed that such threats to Russian shipping are growing, and the West's intentions are becoming increasingly obvious. He warned that any actions aimed at a blockade would be met with a decisive response, including possible intervention by the Russian Navy if diplomatic measures prove ineffective. The statement reflects the escalation of tensions in Russia's relations with the West amid sanctions and the conflict in Ukraine.

Patrushev noted that Western countries, primarily the UK and some EU members, are openly discussing sanctions, which he said resemble a naval blockade. He accused the "collective West" of seeking to oust Russia from global shipping, which threatens the country's economic and strategic interests. Russia is ready to use the entire arsenal of means to protect its rights. Patrushev particularly emphasized that London and Brussels should take into account the capabilities of the Russian fleet, which is capable of ensuring the safety of shipping in the event of escalation. Earlier, he pointed to NATO's attempts to limit Russia's access to the Baltic Sea, including paralyzing ports in the Leningrad and Kaliningrad regions, which, in his opinion, is part of a strategy to isolate the country.

The context of the accusations is related to the increasing pressure from the West on the Russian economy. Following the launch of the Special Military Operation (SMO) in 2022, the EU and the US have imposed unprecedented sanctions, including restrictions on energy exports and access for Russian ships to Western ports.