Putin Warns of Russian Retaliation Over Western Ship Seizures

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning about potential Russian retaliation concerning Western seizures of commercial vessels. He characterized these seizures as acts of piracy. While visiting a Russian warship involved in naval maneuvers in the Pacific, Putin stated that Western actions to detain ships linked to Russia violate international maritime law.

“It’s nothing but piracy and robbery,” Putin proclaimed. He further emphasized that Russia might respond in kind to these actions. He pointed out that responses may not necessarily occur where the Russian vessels were seized and could take place in what he considers appropriate locations, including the Pacific Ocean.

Admiral Viktor Liina, chief of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, briefed Putin that the navy was prepared to inspect commercial vessels from what they call “unfriendly nations.” Liina mentioned that many ships, operated by British, French, and other European carriers, fly other nations’ flags, forming a “shadow fleet.” He assured, “We have enough assets for inspection and detention of vessels of the unfriendly nations and their shadow fleet. We are ready to start performing the task.”

Russia is believed to be operating a fleet of many ships to circumvent international sanctions imposed after its military action in Ukraine in February 2022. Recent incidents have seen France and the U.K. detaining tankers suspected to be part of Russia’s shadow fleet, transporting oil in defiance of international sanctions. The EU has sanctioned numerous “shadow fleet” ships.

In response, Russia has started deploying warships to safeguard its commercial vessels. Dmitry Medvedev, the former Russian president and current deputy head of Russia’s Security Council, noted similarities in tactics used by European carriers. Many European ships, much like their Russian counterparts, operate under the so-called “flags of convenience.” Medvedev stated, “By applying a symmetrical approach, which is only fair, Russia has the right to attack any merchant vessel belonging to hostile nations, whether in our waters or in neutral waters, provided there are reasonable grounds to suspect it is carrying cargo in the enemy’s interest, and that applies to any cargo.” He further indicated that there are numerous such vessels, and Russia’s military has the capability to expand operations significantly beyond the Black Sea region.