Putin threatens 'piracy' response to seizure of Russian merchant ships

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened on Wednesday to seize European ships in retaliation for EU actions against Russia's shadow oil fleet. Putin stated that Moscow would 'respond in kind' if European countries confiscate Russian ships or sell cargo from detained vessels, warning that the retaliation would not necessarily be confined to the same waters where European interceptions occur. He described the actions as 'piracy and robbery.'

The warning follows the EU's latest sanctions package targeting Russia's energy trade, which added another 41 vessels to its blacklist, bringing the total number of sanctioned shadow-fleet vessels to 673. Brussels also expanded restrictions to companies providing services to the fleet and targeted entities working on behalf of Russian oil producers.

European enforcement efforts have seen nine suspected shadow-fleet tankers seized across Europe by late June, including four by France, and British forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker Smyrtos in the English Channel. Russian Pacific Fleet commander Viktor Liina told Putin that Russian forces have the capability to inspect and detain vessels belonging to 'unfriendly states.'

Putin's threat also comes a day after a U.S. sanctions bill targeting Russian energy revenues and the shadow fleet moved into the House following an overwhelming Senate vote. The legislation would target vessels, owners, operators, insurers, and ports involved in transporting Russian oil, while giving President Donald Trump authority to impose tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy.