Putin threatens to seize Western ships in response to EU measures
Russian President Vladimir Putin (photo: Getty Images)
Russia is ready to seize Western merchant ships in a mirror response to the actions of the European Union, Russian President Vladimir Putin said, according to Izvestia.
The Kremlin leader said that Russia would not ignore attempts by other countries to seize its merchant ships.
Against this backdrop, he recalled recent decisions by the European Union and promised to respond to them.
Putin complained that the authorities of some countries were trying to restrict the movement of Russian vessels.
He also referred to alleged violations of international maritime law.
"And recently, they (in the European Union — ed.) came up with the possibility of seizing our ships and selling the property they have looted from us. Clearly, this is nothing other than piracy and robbery. And if this begins to be implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind," Putin threatened, addressing Ukraine's allies.
EU decision on Russia's shadow fleet
On June 8, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas announced tougher measures against Russia's shadow fleet.
Thus, as part of Operation IRINI — the European Union's mission to ensure maritime security in the Mediterranean Sea — the naval forces of member states were authorized to board vessels if there are reasonable suspicions regarding their identification or violations of international rules.
The possibility of detaining a Russian vessel depends on where it is located, which flag it sails under, and which specific international or national rules it has violated.
In July 2026, the EU added another 41 vessels to restrictions targeting the shadow fleet. Such vessels are subject, in particular, to bans on access to ports and the provision of certain maritime services.
It later also became known that the European Union allowed member states to sell Russian oil confiscated from vessels that attempted to circumvent the bloc's sanctions.
