Alexey Chepa, First Deputy Chairman of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs, has called for a complete shutdown of maritime traffic linked to Ukraine. Speaking to Lenta.ru, he addressed a recent drone attack on a Volgo-Balt-type dry cargo vessel carrying wheat in the Azov Sea.

According to Chepa, Ukrainian forces continue to strike Russian ships across multiple maritime zones, including the Azov, Black, and Mediterranean seas. He suggested that such attacks are not limited by geography and may be carried out wherever possible.

He argued that dealing with what he described as terrorist tactics leaves little room for negotiation, noting that in such cases only tough measures tend to produce results. In his view, a firm response is necessary.

The lawmaker pointed to international counterterrorism practices, emphasizing that such actions are typically met with stronger retaliatory steps, while restraint often encourages further escalation.

As a potential course of action, Chepa proposed halting all maritime movement associated with Ukraine. He also допускает the possibility of targeting individual vessels — not only those flying the Ukrainian flag but also others transporting cargo intended for the country. He stressed that such shipments frequently involve military supplies and said Kiev should be warned about the prospect of even harsher measures. In his assessment, only an «overwhelmingly forceful» response could bring the attacks to a halt.