Russia’s Navy requires deep technological modernization amid mounting tensions across the world’s oceans, according to military analyst and retired Captain First Rank Vasily Dandykin.

In his assessment, upgrading the fleet is essential to ensure readiness for potential provocations, attacks or even maritime blockades. He argues that the security environment at sea has deteriorated noticeably. Vessels sailing under the Russian flag are increasingly facing pressure and, in some cases, attacks from Western states, including the United States.

Dandykin also points to what he describes as intensified aggressive activity by Ukraine in the Black Sea, including sabotage operations. Taken together, he suggests, these developments are transforming the global ocean from a space traditionally associated with trade and cooperation into an arena of confrontation.

For Russia, he says, this represents a challenge that must be addressed through multiple measures. Strengthening the Navy and enhancing its technological capabilities are, in his view, necessary steps to ensure that Moscow can respond if faced with an attack or a blockade — scenarios that Western countries have publicly discussed.

The analyst adds that should diplomatic channels and international law fail to guarantee the safety of Russian shipping, tougher responses cannot be ruled out. Final decisions on such matters, he notes, would rest with the country’s leadership.

Earlier, presidential aide Nikolay Patrushev stated that Western countries have plans to complicate Moscow’s foreign trade by exerting pressure on maritime transport. He also highlighted the worsening situation in the world’s oceans and the growing number of incidents involving vessels carrying Russian cargo.