The Russian approach to ROE

ROE in Russia are actually general rules of arms application and are not designed to control conflict. The Russian Navy can use arms without warning to suppress armed provocation at the Frontier; armed resistance during stoppage and arrest of a trespassing vessel, which has violated the law; and explicitly hostile acts. However, there is an elaborate set of guidelines and chain of command that must be followed. The application of arms by the Navy and Frontier Guards in Russiaʹs EEZ is now common. n ROE distinguish between “threat”, “danger”, and “challenge” which are different degrees of “risk”. In the Russian Navy, new ROE principles are emerging, including necessity and proportionality as two elements of self-defense. Moreover, Russia is formulating joint ROE for multinational naval activity. But the interpretation of hostile act and hostile intent remains with each commanding officer.