Putin Threatens Retaliation as Russia Weighs Seizing Western Vessels Over Shadow Fleet Sanctions

Speaking aboard the missile cruiser Varyag on Wednesday, August 12, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned the West that Moscow will retaliate by seizing foreign ships if European authorities confiscate Russian oil and assets.

EU Sanctions and the Russian Shadow Fleet

Władimir Putin met with Pacific Fleet personnel on board the missile cruiser Varyag on Wednesday, August 12. During his speech, he addressed the July decision of the Council of the European Union, which enabled the import, transfer, storage, management, and sale of Russian crude oil confiscated in administrative or judicial proceedings. This is a move aimed at the Russian shadow fleet, which is used to circumvent EU sanctions.

Putin Threatens to Confiscate Western Vessels

Putin emphasized that Russia has noted attempts to restrict the movement of Russian ships. But recently it occurred to them that they can seize our ships and sell our stolen property, the Russian leader stated, calling it nothing other than piracy and robbery.

The politician announced that if this happens, Russia will respond in kind, not necessarily in the waters where they plan to attack our ships, but everywhere we deem it necessary or reasonable, including in the Pacific Fleet responsibility zone, said Putin.

Maritime Traffic Analysis in the Asia-Pacific Region

The Russian leader had previously ordered a comprehensive analysis of maritime traffic in the Asia-Pacific region, the results of which were reported by Fleet Commander Viktor Liina.

We know the routes, transported cargoes, and owners of individual ships. Between April 24 and August 6, 2026, a total of 1,001 ships passed through the exclusive economic zone of the Russian Federation along the islands of the southern part of the Kuril archipelago. Among them, 379 sailed under the flags of unfriendly countries, including 273 bulk carriers and 71 tankers. Among them were 26 ships from Great Britain and nine from France, Liina said.

Accusations Against the West and Readiness to Intercept

The Pacific Fleet Commander accused the West of creating its own shadow fleet. Western countries actively engage ships sailing under the flags of third countries to transport cargo in their interest, Liina stated.

He also assured that Russia is able to detain units belonging to unfriendly countries and their shadow fleets. Cooperation has been established between the relevant services and departments, and we are ready to carry out these tasks, he said.