MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow could seize European-owned vessels in retaliation for European countries taking control of cargo from ships linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”.
Putin issued the warning on Wednesday while overseeing Russian naval exercises in the country’s Far East, escalating Moscow’s response to European efforts to enforce sanctions targeting Russian oil exports.
Several European countries have intercepted vessels suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions. New measures adopted by the European Union last month allow member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from such ships.
Russia has strongly opposed the policy, with Putin describing the seizures as acts of “piracy and banditry”.
“We will be forced to respond in kind,” Putin said while speaking aboard the Russian Navy cruiser Varyag near Sakhalin.
He added that Russia would decide where and when to respond, saying Moscow could take action “anywhere” it considered necessary.
Russia objects to seized vessels
The warning follows a series of European actions involving vessels suspected of being connected to Russia’s shadow fleet, a network of ships used to transport Russian oil and other goods while attempting to evade Western sanctions.
Swedish court documents obtained by AFP earlier this month indicated that Stockholm would transfer to Ukraine a Russian vessel that had been seized and was suspected of transporting grain taken from Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine.
The move has added to tensions between Moscow and European governments over the enforcement of sanctions and the handling of seized Russian-linked assets and cargo.
Putin issues warning during naval drills
Putin made the remarks while observing Russian naval exercises in the Far East.
The exercises are taking place amid heightened military tensions in the wider region and come shortly before planned joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.
Washington and Seoul are scheduled to begin the Ulchi Freedom Shield exercises on August 17. North Korea has repeatedly condemned the drills, arguing that they prepare for a possible attack against Pyongyang.
North Korea and Russia have also strengthened their military relationship, drawing concern from both Ukraine and South Korea.
The Kremlin has increasingly portrayed Western sanctions and actions against Russian-linked vessels as hostile measures, while European governments argue that enforcement is necessary to prevent Moscow from using maritime networks to circumvent sanctions.
Putin’s latest warning raises the prospect of further confrontation at sea if European countries continue seizing Russian-linked ships or their cargo.
