Vladimir Kasatonov Outlines Ways to Counter Western State Piracy

At the conference marking the 20th anniversary of the CSTO Parliamentary Assembly, participants discussed current challenges and ways to strengthen collective security. One of the key topics was the problem of modern "maritime piracy." 

Vladimir Kasatonov, Сhairman of the State Duma Committee on Defense, said that the West continues to engage in acts of piracy, using the same methods as several centuries ago.  

The parliamentarian stressed that Russia is actively and systematically countering these threats. "Russia is taking proper measures, both military and non-military. In the Baltic Sea, where the most rabid proponents of the new state piracy are based, commercial vessels are now escorted by warships," he said. 

The chairman added that the practice to escort ships is used from time to time in other areas, and Russia's Foreign Ministry responds decisively to every such incident. However, he said, the West continues attempts to refine and legalize piracy at the state level. 

In his closing remarks, Vladimir Kasatonov called for a joint response to challenges of this kind. He said it is the direct duty of CSTO member states to keep up their efforts to firmly stop any attempts at lawlessness by Western authorities.