Putin threatens retaliation over vessel seizures

Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke out against Western seizures of his country's commercial vessels, branding them as acts of piracy. Addressing the issue during a visit to a Russian warship participating in a Pacific naval exercise, Putin stated that Western actions are a clear violation of international maritime law. He warned that Russia will respond proportionately, not just in the waters where the seized ships were taken, but anywhere deemed necessary.

The Russian Navy's Pacific Fleet chief, Admiral Viktor Liina, informed Putin that the navy is prepared to commence inspections of commercial ships from unfriendly nations. Many of these vessels, operated by British, French, and other European carriers, fly the flags of other countries, effectively forming a shadow fleet. Liina emphasized that Russia possesses sufficient resources to inspect and detain these unfriendly ships and their shadow fleet.

This strategy is believed to be part of Russia's broader effort to circumvent international sanctions imposed following Russia's military intervention in Ukraine in February 2022. Meanwhile, France and the UK have apprehended tankers suspected of belonging to Russia's shadow fleet, which is responsible for oil shipments in violation of international sanctions.

The European Union has sanctioned hundreds of these shadow fleet ships. Russia has recently deployed warships to accompany its commercial vessels, and Deputy Head of Russia's Security Council, Dmitry Medvedev, noted that many European carriers use the so-called "flags of convenience," raising the possibility of Russia taking a symmetric approach to protect its interests.