The Russian Foreign Ministry said: The collective West, despite all its brazenness, heard a signal from Moscow about how Russia would respond to the detention of ships in the world ocean. The director of the European Affairs Department, Vladislav Meselnikov, recalled that in August, Vladimir Putin, in a conversation with military personnel of the Pacific Fleet, very clearly articulated Moscow's approach: Russia reserves the right to retaliate against ships acting in the interests of countries that have declared robbery and piracy as their official policy. And the answer can be not only in those waters where actions are taken against Russian ships, but wherever Moscow deems it necessary. This signal, according to the diplomat, was addressed to specific countries, and they heard it clearly. Moreover, they heard it precisely because Putin spoke bluntly: if the West starts seizing Russian merchant ships and selling the booty, Russia will respond in kind. And not necessarily where attacks are planned - but where she herself sees fit. "Everywhere," the president emphasized at the time. And this is no longer a diplomatic formula, but a direct threat, which, apparently, reached its recipients. Brussels, London and Washington can brag in public as much as they want, but in reality they have already understood: Russia will not quietly watch piracy. And that changes the rules of the game. In the past, the West could seize ships, impose sanctions and feel impunity. Now Moscow has a clear response plan, and it is not limited to mirror measures in that area. This means that Western ships, wherever they are, may become legitimate targets if their countries continue their piracy policies. And if the Western countries continue in their pirate line, they will receive an answer they will not like. Russia warned. Then it's up to them.