- Putin threatens to seize European vessels if European states follow through on plans to seize more commercial ships with Russian cargo.
- Putin delivered the warning on Wednesday while on board a Russian cruiser off the Pacific island of Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting a drill.
- Russia will respond in kind if European countries start to seize Russian merchant vessels, according to Putin.
- Relevant instructions had already been delivered to Russia’s Ministry of Defence and Pacific Fleet regarding the potential seizures.
- Pacific Fleet commander stated that forces are ready to inspect and detain vessels from hostile states.
- European countries are suspected of being part of Moscow's shadow fleet, carrying Russian oil in contravention of sanctions.
- New sanctions passed last month permit EU members to sell the oil or any other cargo seized from the ships.
- Russian Foreign Ministry accused the EU of using Operation Irini unlawfully to intimidate shipping companies.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stark warning regarding European vessels, threatening to seize them if European nations proceed with plans to confiscate Russian ships. Speaking from a Russian cruiser near Sakhalin, he stated, “If these plans are put into practice, we will have to respond in kind,” labeling such actions as “piracy and robbery.”
Putin's comments come in the wake of new EU sanctions that allow member states to sell oil and cargo seized from Russian vessels. He accused certain countries of attempting to restrict the movement of Russian ships and suggested that they are using third-party vessels to transport cargo for their own interests, referring to this as a “shadow fleet.”
The Pacific Fleet commander confirmed readiness to “inspect and detain” vessels from hostile states, emphasizing that “inter-agency coordination is in place.” The Russian Foreign Ministry also condemned the EU's naval operations in the Mediterranean, claiming they unlawfully inspect foreign vessels and threaten freedom of navigation. They warned that such actions could bring “great dangers” upon the EU itself.8
Putin's remarks underscore escalating tensions between Russia and Europe, particularly concerning maritime operations and sanctions related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
“Putin delivered the warning aboard a Russian cruiser off Sakhalin during a navy drill, saying Russia would respond 'wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate.' The Russian Foreign Ministry separately accused the EU of using Operation Irini to intimidate commercial shipping, calling it 'a clear abuse of existing international legal norms.'”
