Key facts
- Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation against European countries seizing Russian merchant ships.
- Putin characterized these seizures as 'piracy' and 'banditry'.
- The EU is intensifying pressure on Russia's 'shadow fleet' of vessels used to bypass sanctions.
- Some European governments are exploring tougher maritime enforcement measures.
- Sweden agreed to transfer a shadow fleet vessel carrying grain from occupied Ukrainian territories to Ukraine.
- The U.S. seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic Ocean in January.
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated on August 12 that Moscow would retaliate if European nations seize Russian commercial vessels, denouncing such actions as "piracy" and a breach of international maritime law. Putin's remarks came amid increased Western efforts to intercept Russia's "shadow fleet," a collection of older, poorly insured tankers used to bypass sanctions and conduct hybrid operations. He noted that some countries are attempting to restrict the movement of vessels belonging to Russian economic operators, and if they proceed with seizing ships and selling stolen property, Russia "will be forced to respond in kind." In recent months, countries including Sweden, France, the U.K., and Belgium have intercepted vessels from this shadow fleet, many of which were sailing under third-country flags and in violation of sanctions. Swedish courts have agreed to transfer a shadow fleet vessel, the Caffa, which was transporting grain from occupied Ukrainian territories, to Ukraine. The U.S. also seized a Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic Ocean on January 7, marking a rare instance of such action. Western governments and watchdogs have raised concerns that these aging Russian shadow fleet vessels pose significant risks to international security, the environment, and marine life due to their increased susceptibility to oil spills.