Putin warns West over ship seizures amid reports of rising FSB power and North Korean aid

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned Western countries of retaliatory action over the seizure of Russian commercial vessels, describing the maritime enforcement measures as "piracy" during a speech aboard a naval ship.

At the same time, investigative journalist Andrei Soldatov noted that Russia’s Federal Security Service (FSB) has gained unprecedented domestic power since 2022, with the Kremlin relying more heavily on security apparatuses to maintain state control and monitor the public.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian military intelligence reported that a North Korean missile contingent of approximately 90 personnel is deploying to Russia’s western Voronezh region. The detachment is reportedly preparing to operate six launchers and up to 120 ballistic missiles slated for use in operations against Ukraine.

Sources: BalkanWeb, Gazeta Tema, Koha