Putin Threatens Retaliation for Western Seizures of Russian Ships
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation against Western nations for seizing Russian commercial vessels, calling such actions 'piracy.' Speaking on Wednesday during a visit to a Russian warship participating in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin said that Western detentions of ships linked to Russia violate international maritime law. He warned that Moscow would respond in kind, potentially in any area deemed necessary, including the Pacific. Admiral Viktor Liina, chief of the Pacific Fleet, reported that the navy is prepared to inspect and detain commercial vessels from 'unfriendly nations,' including those operating as a 'shadow fleet' under foreign flags. This comes amid reports that Russia uses hundreds of ships to evade international sanctions imposed after its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The threat escalates tensions between Russia and the West over maritime trade and sanctions enforcement.
Key facts
- Putin threatened retaliation for Western seizures of Russian commercial ships.
- He described the seizures as 'piracy and robbery.'
- The threat was made during a visit to a Russian warship in the Pacific.
- Admiral Viktor Liina said the navy is ready to inspect and detain vessels of 'unfriendly nations.'
- Many ships operated by British, French, and other European carriers fly foreign flags, forming a 'shadow fleet.'
- Russia is believed to use hundreds of ships to evade sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
- Putin said Russia could retaliate in any area it deems necessary, including the Pacific.
- The statement was reported by the South China Morning Post.
Entities
Institutions
- South China Morning Post
Locations
- Russia
- Pacific
- Ukraine