Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European ships in retaliation for European countries selling cargo taken from vessels linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
The warning came Wednesday as Putin oversaw Russian naval exercises in the country’s Far East.
Several European countries have intercepted vessels carrying Russian oil in response to sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy revenues. Now, new European Union rules allow member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from those ships.
Moscow Calls Seizures “Piracy”
The Kremlin has strongly criticized the European measures.
Putin described the seizures as “piracy and banditry” and warned that Russia would respond if European countries continued with the policy.
“We will be forced to respond in kind,” Putin said while speaking aboard the Russian cruiser Varyag.
He added that Moscow could act “anywhere” it considers necessary and appropriate.
The remarks represent a sharp escalation in rhetoric over the enforcement of sanctions against Russia.
EU Sanctions Target Russian Shadow Fleet
European governments have increasingly focused on Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of vessels suspected of helping Moscow transport oil while avoiding Western sanctions and restrictions.
The EU approved new sanctions last month that allow member states to sell cargo seized from vessels targeted under the measures.
The policy aims to increase pressure on Russia’s energy industry and reduce the revenue Moscow receives from oil exports.
However, Russia has strongly objected to the seizures.
Sweden Transfers Seized Ship to Ukraine
The dispute has already resulted in action involving a Russian vessel.
Swedish court documents obtained earlier this month showed that Stockholm planned to transfer a seized Russian ship to Ukraine.
The vessel was suspected of transporting grain from Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia.
The move adds another point of tension between Moscow and European governments supporting Kyiv.
Putin Issues Warning From Russian Naval Drills
Putin delivered his warning while supervising naval exercises near Sakhalin in Russia’s Far East.
The exercises involve Russian naval forces operating in the region at a time of heightened military tensions.
The drills are taking place shortly before joint military exercises involving the United States and South Korea.
Those exercises are designed to simulate a possible response to an invasion from North Korea.
Russia and North Korea Deepen Military Ties
Regional tensions have increased as Russia and North Korea strengthen their military relationship.
Ukraine and South Korea have accused Moscow and Pyongyang of expanding military cooperation.
The United States and its allies have also expressed concern about the growing relationship between the two countries.
Against this backdrop, Russia’s naval exercises and Putin’s latest warning toward Europe are adding another layer of uncertainty.
European-Russian Tensions Continue to Rise
The threat involving Putin European ships comes as relations between Russia and European countries remain deeply strained.
European governments continue to impose sanctions on Moscow over its war in Ukraine. At the same time, Russia has repeatedly warned that Western measures could trigger retaliation.
The latest comments from Putin suggest that Moscow may consider targeting European maritime interests if European governments continue seizing Russian-linked vessels and cargo.
For now, it remains unclear whether Russia will carry out any ship seizures. However, Putin’s warning signals that the dispute over Russia’s shadow fleet could develop into a broader confrontation at sea.
