It hath come to my attention, and indeed to the attention of the State Duma, that the maritime interests of our Fatherland are being subjected to most insolent attacks. The reports emanating from the Sea of Azov, specifically concerning the assault upon our tankers in the Taganrog Bay, are not merely incidents of war, but grave affronts to the stability of our commerce and the honour of our Great Power.

Mr. Alexei Zhuravlev, a gentleman of the Defence Committee, hath rightly observed that the time for mildness and diplomatic pleasantries hath long since passed. To ensure the continued prosperity of our industry and the security of our borders, we must adopt a policy of stern reciprocity. If our vessels are to be targeted, it is only prudent—indeed, it is a matter of state utility—that we respond in kind by seizing the vessels of those powers who embolden these raids, be they Ukrainian, European, or American.

Let it be known: for every tanker wounded, two enemy cargo ships shall be torpeded. Only such a manifestation of strength and prudence shall compel our adversaries to cease these reckless provocations.

Furthermore, the defence of our merchant fleet requires immediate and practical modernisation. I concur with the proposal that our tankers be equipped with large-calibre machine guns and manned by vigilant crews around the clock. Such measures are essential to repel the swarm of unmanned craft and to deter any misguided attempts at seizure by the forces of NATO.

As Mr. Zhuravlev aptly remarked, the sailors of Estonia would scarce venture to board a vessel were they certain to be greeted by a concentrated hail of gunfire.

These recent atrocities—including the drone strikes on the 8th and 9th of July, which have left our countrymen wounded—demonstrate that we cannot rely on the goodwill of others. The strength of our Army and the resilience of our industry are the pillars of our existence. We shall act with the necessary firmness to ensure that the Fatherland remains inviolable.