Russian Foreign Minister Raises Concerns Over Asset Dispute, Freedom of Navigation

The Russian Foreign Minister said in remarks reported by TASS that Western interference with freedom of navigation is a growing concern for Moscow, citing the detention of vessels by European states.

According to the minister, European countries have detained 12 vessels since January of this year. The minister characterized these actions as part of a broader pattern of Western interference affecting maritime freedom of navigation.

The remarks were made in the context of an ongoing dispute over assets, though further details on the nature of the asset dispute were not specified in the available comments reported by TASS.

TASS did not provide additional context on the identities of the detained vessels, the countries responsible for the detentions, or the specific circumstances surrounding each case.

The statement adds to a series of comments from Russian officials in recent months expressing concern over what Moscow characterizes as Western actions against Russian interests, including in maritime and economic domains.