Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow could retaliate against Western commercial vessels following the detention of ships linked to Russia, escalating tensions over enforcement of international sanctions.
Speaking Wednesday aboard a Russian warship during a Pacific naval exercise, Putin condemned Western actions against Russia-linked vessels as “piracy and robbery” and accused countries involved in the seizures of violating international maritime law.
Putin warned that Russia could respond in kind and said any retaliatory measures would not necessarily be limited to waters where Russian vessels had been detained. He suggested Moscow could act in other regions, including the Pacific.
During Putin’s visit, Pacific Fleet commander Adm. Viktor Liina said the Russian navy was prepared to inspect and detain commercial vessels serving countries Moscow considers “unfriendly.”
Liina argued that many ships operated by British, French and other European carriers sail under the flags of third countries, describing them as a Western equivalent of a “shadow fleet.” He said Russia had sufficient resources to begin inspecting and detaining such vessels.
Russia is believed to operate hundreds of ships intended to help circumvent sanctions imposed following its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
France and the United Kingdom have detained tankers suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet and transporting oil in violation of sanctions. The European Union has also sanctioned hundreds of vessels allegedly associated with the network.
Amid increased enforcement efforts, Russia has begun deploying naval vessels to escort some of its commercial ships.
Former Russian president and current Security Council deputy chairman Dmitry
