Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to retaliate against Western nations for seizing Russian commercial vessels. He referred to these actions as acts of piracy during his visit to a Russian warship involved in a naval exercise in the Pacific.

Putin criticized the Western actions, stating that the detention of ships linked to Russia violates international maritime law. “It’s nothing but piracy and robbery,” he said. “If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind.” He emphasized that Russia’s response could occur in any region deemed necessary, including the Pacific.

Adm. Viktor Liina, head of the Pacific Fleet, informed Putin that the navy is prepared to inspect commercial vessels from “unfriendly nations.” Liina highlighted that many ships operated by British, French, and other European carriers use foreign flags, forming a “shadow fleet.” Liina assured Putin, “We have enough assets for inspection and detention of vessels of the unfriendly nations and their shadow fleet. We are ready to start performing the task.”

Russia is reportedly using a fleet of hundreds of ships to bypass international sanctions imposed since February 2022 when Moscow intervened in Ukraine. France and the U.K. have detained tankers suspected of being part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” for shipping oil against international sanctions, and the EU has sanctioned numerous “shadow fleet” ships.

In response, Russia has begun deploying warships to escort its commercial vessels. Dmitry Medvedev, Russia’s former president and now deputy head of its Security Council, commented on the matter. He noted that European carriers also use “flags of convenience” like Russian carriers. “By applying a symmetrical approach, which is only fair, Russia has the right to attack any merchant vessel belonging to hostile nations,” Medvedev said. “There are reasonable grounds if it is suspected to be carrying cargo in the enemy’s interest, and this applies to any cargo.” He stated Russia’s military is prepared to significantly expand operations beyond the Black Sea basin.