SRINAGAR: Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday warned that Moscow would retaliate if European countries seize Russian merchant vessels, as the European Union steps up efforts against what it describes as Russia’s “shadow fleet”.
According to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, Putin said the seizure of Russian ships would amount to “piracy and banditry” and warned that Moscow would respond if such measures were implemented.
Putin also indicated that any Russian response would not necessarily be limited to the maritime areas where Russian vessels were detained.
“It will happen wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,” TASS quoted him as saying.
The warning comes as the EU intensifies measures against Russia’s shadow fleet, a term used for vessels suspected of helping Moscow bypass Western sanctions, including restrictions on Russian crude oil exports.
The bloc has expanded its sanctions to cover hundreds of vessels, while some European countries have detained ships and their crews for inspections. Several governments have also indicated that they are considering tighter maritime enforcement against vessels suspected of circumventing sanctions.
Putin made the remarks during a visit to Sakhalin Island in Russia’s Far East, where he was reviewing military exercises.
During his address, he also accused NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and increasing tensions in the Arctic.
“NATO is making inroads into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems that pose a threat to Russia are being deployed or are slated for deployment,” TASS quoted Putin as saying.
The remarks add to growing tensions between Moscow and European countries over the enforcement of sanctions and measures targeting Russian shipping networks.
