Putin Threatens Retaliatory Measures Over Seizure of Russian Ships

Associated Press

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday described Western actions to seize commercial vessels linked to Russia as “piracy” and threatened retaliatory measures. While inspecting a Russian warship participating in a naval exercise in the Pacific Ocean, Putin said the seizure of the vessels violated international maritime law. He said, “This is nothing but piracy and looting. If such actions are taken, we will be forced to respond in the same manner.”

Russia is believed to be using a fleet of hundreds of vessels to evade international sanctions imposed after Moscow sent troops into Ukraine in February 2022. France and England have seized several tankers suspected of being part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” and of transporting oil in violation of international sanctions. The European Union has also imposed sanctions on hundreds of such vessels. Meanwhile, Russia has recently begun deploying warships to escort its commercial vessels. Putin said, “Russia’s response does not necessarily have to take place where Russian vessels have been seized. Moscow can take retaliatory measures in any area where we consider it necessary and appropriate—including the Pacific Ocean.”

Russian Security Council Deputy Chairman Dmitry Medvedev said that many European vessels, like Russian ships, also operate under so-called “flags of convenience.” He said, “This means that, in the interests of fairness, by applying an equivalent policy, Russia has the right to attack commercial vessels of any hostile country—whether in our territorial waters or in neutral waters. If there are reasonable grounds to suspect that a vessel is carrying goods in the interests of an adversary, that right would apply, regardless of the type of goods. There are many such vessels, and our military has the capability to expand its operations well beyond the Black Sea region.”