Putin Threatens to Seize European Ships “Wherever” Russia Deems Necessary

The Russian leader, Vladimir Putin, warned on August 12 that Moscow would respond in kind if European countries seize Russian merchant vessels, with any retaliation potentially reaching beyond the waters where seizures occur.

Putin delivered the warning from Russia's far-eastern island of Sakhalin, where he was observing military exercises, according to Reuters, citing the TASS Russian state news agency on August 12.

The comments followed intensified EU pressure on Russia's shadow fleet, including expanded sanctions against hundreds of vessels and the detention of some ships and crews for inspection.

Several European governments have signaled they are weighing tougher maritime enforcement against vessels suspected of evading sanctions while carrying Russian oil.

TASS, as carried by Reuters, quoted Putin as characterizing the European measures in stark terms: "Of course, this is nothing short of piracy and banditry. And if this is actually put into practice, we will be forced to respond in kind."

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He stressed that any Russian response would not be confined to the waters where its ships were seized. Retaliation, Putin added, according to TASS, "will happen wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate."

Speaking at the same appearance, Putin also accused NATO of pushing into the Asia-Pacific and fueling tension in the Arctic.

"NATO is making inroads into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems that pose a threat to Russia are being deployed or are slated for deployment," he declared, as cited by the agency and reported by Reuters.

European enforcement against the shadow fleet has expanded steadily over the past year. French authorities detained their fourth suspected tanker since September, boarding a vessel whose Cameroonian flag was found to be fraudulent while it allegedly carried oil in breach of sanctions.

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