Putin threatens response to EU plans to seize Russian vessels
Putin has branded EU plans to confiscate Russia-linked ships as piracy and pledged that Russia will retaliate in kind, wherever it sees fit. Since late 2024, Western states have stepped up inspections of tankers tied to Russia's so-called shadow fleet.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday sharply criticized European Union plans to seize vessels linked to Russia, describing the move during military exercises as a violation of international maritime law amounting to piracy and robbery.
Last month, when adopting its latest sanctions package, the EU approved a mechanism allowing member states to sell oil and other goods confiscated from sanctioned ships. Putin claimed that authorities in certain countries are trying to restrict the movement of vessels and have floated the idea of confiscating Russian-owned ships in order to sell what he called property stolen from Russia.
Promised retaliation
The Russian leader said Moscow would respond in a similar manner. He stressed that any retaliation would not necessarily take place in the same waters where Russian vessels might be threatened, but could occur anywhere Russia itself deems necessary and appropriate.
Background
Since late 2024, EU countries and the United Kingdom have stepped up inspections of ships linked to Russia or its so-called shadow fleet — vessels used to circumvent sanctions on oil trade — and have detained or confiscated several of them. Allies of Ukraine have collectively imposed sanctions on hundreds of tankers accused of helping Russia export oil in breach of restrictions.
