Putin Warns of Retaliation Over Western Seizures of Ships

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced potential retaliation against Western countries for seizing Russian commercial vessels. He referred to these actions as ‘piracy.’ Putin made this statement during his visit to a Russian warship involved in naval exercises in the Pacific.

He asserted that the West’s detention of ships linked to Russia violated international maritime law. ‘It’s nothing but piracy and robbery,’ Putin stated. He warned of a possible Russian response that could occur outside the waters where the seizures happened. This could include areas such as the Pacific.

Admiral Viktor Liina, leader of Russia’s Pacific Fleet, informed Putin of their preparedness to inspect ships from ‘unfriendly nations.’ Many ships operated by European carriers reportedly use flags of other countries, which Liina described as a ‘shadow fleet.’ He said, ‘We have enough assets for the inspection and detention of vessels from unfriendly nations and their shadow fleet.’

Russia uses a large fleet to circumvent sanctions after deploying troops to Ukraine in February 2022. France and the U.K. have detained tankers suspected of serving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ in violation of sanctions. The EU has sanctioned hundreds of such ships. In response, Russia has started deploying warships to protect its commercial shipments.

Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Head of Russia’s Security Council and former President, commented on European carriers using ‘flags of convenience’ similar to Russian tactics. He stated, ‘Russia can exercise the right to target merchant vessels from hostile nations in any waters if there are grounds to believe they carry enemy cargo.’ He emphasized the capability of extending operations beyond the Black Sea.