Putin threatens retaliatory seizures of European ships

Russian President Vladimir Putin announced on August 12 that Moscow would respond in kind if European nations seize Russian commercial ships, describing such actions as mere piracy. The West has been intensifying efforts to curb Russia's shadow fleet, which comprises aging and inadequately insured tankers used by Russia to bypass sanctions and engage in hybrid operations.

Putin stated this while attending exercises involving Russia's Pacific Fleet. He also mentioned that European authorities, acting contrary to international maritime law, are seeking to restrict the movement of vessels belonging to Russian economic operators. Furthermore, Putin warned that Moscow would be compelled to respond in kind if such methods are implemented.

In recent months, countries including Sweden, France, the United Kingdom, and Belgium have intercepted Russian shadow fleet vessels, many of which were sailing under third-country flags and in violation of sanctions. A Swedish court recently authorized the transfer of Caffa, a shadow fleet vessel carrying grain looted from Ukrainian occupied territories, to Ukraine.

The United States also seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on January 7 for the first time in recent history, despite Russia reportedly dispatching a submarine to safeguard it. Western governments and watchdogs have cautioned that Russian shadow fleet vessels endanger international security and the environment, as the aging tankers are more susceptible to oil spills.