politics
February 18, 2026
BRICS needs strategic maritime cooperation
Cooperation between BRICS navies would help protect sea lanes, Nikolay Patrushev has said
TL;DR
- Russia proposes strategic maritime cooperation for BRICS to enhance security on global shipping lanes.
- The initiative aims to counter Western piracy and US actions, such as seizing tankers transporting sanctioned oil.
- BRICS countries have already conducted joint naval exercises, including 'Will for Peace 2026' involving Russia, China, Iran, and the UAE.
- Moscow accuses NATO countries of plotting illegal maritime blockades against Russia in the Baltic and Arctic regions.
- Recent reports indicate discussions among Baltic and Nordic nations on seizing Russia-linked oil tankers.
- US plans for Greenland are seen by Russia and China as a move to counter their influence in the Arctic, where NATO is increasing its military presence.