Vladimir Putin Threatens Retaliation Over EU Vessel Seizures

President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate against the European Union after the bloc approved a mechanism allowing member states to sell goods seized from sanctioned vessels. Speaking during Pacific Fleet exercises in Russia's Far East on Wednesday, Putin characterized the seizure of commercial ships as "piracy and robbery" and a violation of international maritime law.

Putin stated that Russia would respond in kind, noting that retaliation could occur anywhere the Kremlin deems necessary and appropriate, rather than being limited to the waters where Russian ships are targeted. This escalation follows a series of detentions of Russia-linked shadow-fleet vessels by European countries and the United Kingdom since late 2024.

Viktor Liina, commander of the Russian Pacific Fleet, asserted that Russia possesses the forces and interagency coordination required to inspect and detain vessels belonging to unfriendly states and their shadow fleet. Liina confirmed that Russian forces are ready to begin carrying out these tasks.