Putin threatens to seize European ships over Russian ‘shadow fleet’ cargo
President Vladimir Putin was speaking aboard the Russian cruiser Varyag off the island of Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting drills.— AFP pic
Summary
- Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European ships in response to European countries' plans to sell cargo seized from Russian "shadow fleet" vessels carrying oil in violation of EU sanctions.
- These sanctions permit the sale of seized cargoes, a move Moscow deems as piracy.
- Putin made these remarks while overseeing naval drills in Russia's Far East, amidst heightened regional tensions and accusations of increased military cooperation between Pyongyang and Moscow.
First Published: Wednesday, 12 Aug 2026 4:32 PM MYT
MOSCOW, Aug 12 — Russian President Vladimir Putin today threatened to seize ships belonging to European countries in retaliation for plans to sell off cargo seized from Russian “shadow fleet” vessels.
Several European companies have intercepted ships carrying Russian oil in contravention of European sanctions targeting the vital revenue source.
New sanctions passed last month permit EU members to sell the oil or any other cargo seized from the ships.
Moscow has bristled at the moves, with Putin calling it “piracy and banditry”.
“We will be forced to respond in kind,” the Kremlin chief said while overseeing naval drills in Russia’s Far East.
Moscow would act “wherever we ourselves deem necessary and appropriate—anywhere,” he added.
Swedish court documents obtained by AFP earlier in August showed Stockholm will transfer to Kyiv a seized Russian ship suspected of transporting grain from occupied Ukraine.
Putin was speaking aboard the Russian cruiser Varyag off the island of Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting drills.
The exercises come a week before joint US-South Korean war games, designed to simulate a possible invasion from North Korea.
Tensions are high in the region amid accusations from Kyiv and Seoul that Pyongyang and Moscow are further intensifying their military cooperation. — AFP
Grain stolen by Russia from Russian-occupied Ukranian territory is illegal contraband , and under International law is subject to seizure and return to its rightful owners.
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