Putin threatens retaliation for Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation on Wednesday for Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels, calling them "piracy." Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship participating in a Pacific naval exercise, Putin described the Western moves to detain the vessels as a breach of international maritime law. "If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind," he warned.

Putin emphasized that Russia's response need not occur in the same waters where the Russian ships were seized, stating that Moscow could retaliate "in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate," including in the Pacific.

Adm. Viktor Liina, head of the Pacific Fleet, reported to Putin that the navy was prepared to initiate inspections of commercial ships tied to "unfriendly nations." Many of these ships operate under the flags of other nations, effectively constituting a "shadow fleet." Liina stated that Russia possesses sufficient assets for the inspection and detention of vessels from hostile countries and their shadow fleet.

The Pacific Fleet chief added that Russia is employing a fleet of hundreds of ships to circumvent international sanctions imposed following Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022.

France and the United Kingdom have apprehended tankers suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet, which is engaged in oil transportation in violation of international sanctions. The European Union has sanctioned hundreds of these shadow fleet vessels. Recently, Russia has begun deploying warships to escort its commercial vessels.

Dmitry Medvedev, who briefly served as Russia's president in 2008-2012, emphasized that many ships belonging to European carriers sail under the "flags of convenience," similar to Russian carriers. Medvedev argued that Russia is justified in attacking merchant vessels belonging to hostile nations in either its waters or neutral waters if there is reasonable suspicion that the cargo benefits the enemy.

Medvedev maintained that Russia's military is capable of substantially expanding operations well beyond the Black Sea basin.