RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will retaliate if European countries seize Russian merchant vessels, sharpening tensions over the EU’s escalating crackdown on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
Putin’s warning comes as European governments intensify efforts to disrupt a network of vessels accused of helping Russia circumvent sanctions, with the EU expanding restrictions against hundreds of ships and some countries detaining vessels and their crews for inspections.
TASS cited Putin as saying that any seizure of Russian ships would amount to an act of piracy and could trigger a wider Russian response.
"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."
Putin said Russia’s response would not necessarily be confined to the waters where Russian vessels were seized, warning that retaliatory action "will happen wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate."
The remarks signal a potentially broader confrontation over European attempts to enforce sanctions against Russia’s shadow fleet, which is widely used to transport Russian oil and other commodities despite Western restrictions.
Several European governments have been exploring tougher maritime measures against ships suspected of sanctions evasion, increasing the risk of direct confrontation with Russian vessels and crews.
Putin was speaking from Russia’s far eastern island of Sakhalin, where he is observing military exercises.
He also accused NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific and contributing to heightened tensions in the Arctic, according to TASS.
"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," it cited him as saying.
Putin’s comments come amid growing friction between Russia and European countries over sanctions enforcement, maritime security and Moscow’s ability to maintain trade routes despite Western efforts to restrict its exports. - August 12, 2026
