Russia says it will join the international effort to fight armed pirates off the Somalian coast. The EU is planning a military operation against the pirates that seize civilian ships along the trade route in exchange for
In the first seven months of 2008, there have been some 24 attacks near Somalia, including the hijacking of ships with Russian crew. Five Russian sailors still remain among hostages of Somali pirates. The Russia's navy chief said they would send their ships, too, but he added, they would act independently of the main force. German Defence Minister Franz Josef Jung has announced that the EU will start a joint operation against pirates near Somali and Kenya this year. Earlier, the World Food Program called on maritime powers to protect the vessels with humanitarian en route to Somali. Over the past eight months warships from various NATO carried out the mission. Russian sailors captured by Somali pirates