Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev stated Russia has the right to attack merchant ships in neutral waters carrying cargo for the enemy, following Western statements on the Russian shadow fleet.
Russia's Transport and Defense Ministries are collaborating to ensure safe navigation and protect maritime vessels in the Azov-Black Sea basin, implementing additional steps and forming a task force to manage cargo logistics amidst ongoing drone attacks.
Russia's commercial seaports saw a 5.8% increase in cargo turnover from January to June 2026, reaching 451.452 million metric tons. Growth was noted in Caspian, Arctic, Far Eastern, and Azov-Black Sea basins, while the Baltic basin experienced a decline.
