Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European commercial vessels if European countries move ahead with plans to confiscate Russian ships and sell their cargoes.
Speaking on Wednesday, August 12, during Russian naval exercises in the Far East, Putin described the seizure of Russian vessels as “piracy and robbery” and warned that Moscow would respond in kind. He said any retaliation could take place wherever Russia considers necessary, rather than necessarily in the waters where Russian vessels are targeted.
The warning comes as the European Union steps up enforcement against Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” — vessels accused of helping Moscow circumvent sanctions on its oil exports. European authorities have detained and inspected several suspected vessels, while new EU measures allow seized Russian cargo to be sold.
Russia’s Pacific Fleet commander, Admiral Viktor Liina, told Putin that the navy was prepared to inspect and detain vessels belonging to countries Moscow considers unfriendly, including ships operating under third-country flags. He also said Russia had mapped shipping routes and knew the cargoes and ownership of vessels linked to Western countries.
The latest threats raise concerns over a potential escalation between Russia and European countries at sea, particularly as Western governments intensify efforts to disrupt Moscow’s oil trade and enforce sanctions.
