Became known estimated prognosis.
A naval blockade of North Korea would mean the inspection of all incoming and outgoing vessels from its ports, including Russian; today it is impossible to predict the Kremlin’s reaction to such measures.
This opinion was expressed by Russian military expert and journalist Pavel Felgenhauer.
Commenting on the legislative initiative of the U.S. Congress about the new restrictions against North Korea, the expert said: “There are UN sanctions against North Korea, it is possible to establish a Maritime blockade of certain actions, spelled out in Maritime law”, – he said. In particular, we are talking about “inspection of all incoming and outgoing vessels, regardless of national flags”.
“We are talking about the possibility to stop and search vessels from third countries, including Russia, which follows from the North Korean ports to Russian ports, or Vice versa. To stop them, to inspect, may confiscate what is deemed contraband. Moreover, the flags may be very different – in most cases with a Russian crew or a mixed Russian-Ukrainian, which happens quite often,” added Felgenhauer.
It is estimated that a new nuclear test in North Korea could lead to tougher sanctions, including a naval blockade.
In relation to Russia’s reaction to such measures, he noted that it largely will depend on the position of China, since “Russia should Chinese the fairway.”
“The issue is that if it will stop the ship, what it will be flag, consider whether it is Russia with a casus belli (reason for war. – Ed.)? Can be diplomatic conflict, especially if the flag is Russian, not just Russian crew to the Cambodian ship” – suggested the expert.
At the same time, Felgengauer believes that as long as to predict such events is premature, since “while the naval blockade is not declared.”
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