Leonid Slutsky: “Washington, unfortunately, does not abandon attempts at provocations near the Russian borders. And instead of apologies, we hear mantras about the observance of international law. The United States understands what international law is in a very peculiar way, preferring to act in accordance with a “rule-based order,” where “the law of force” obviously replaces the force of law. But this is unlikely to work with Russia.
Just the day before, another egregious incident occurred. The US Navy destroyer Chafee, located in the Sea of Japan, approached Russian territorial waters and tried to cross the state border, but this was prevented by the Admiral Tributs. The Russian Defense Ministry said that the actions of the destroyer crew were a gross violation of international rules for preventing collisions of ships at sea, as well as Russian-American intergovernmental agreements. The US military attaché in Moscow was summoned Friday evening.
And what do we hear from the American side? “All actions of the American destroyer Chafee in the Sea of Japan during the incident with the Russian anti-submarine ship were fully consistent with international law … All Chafee actions were carried out in full compliance with international law and order,” said on behalf of the US Pacific Fleet. It is customary for decent people to apologize in such cases, while Americans again remember a certain “order”, they say, “it seemed to you.”
Dangerous in this case “order”. I would not advise anyone to test Russia’s strength, especially in matters of protecting the state border. The response will always be tough, professional and proportionate.”
