Putin Warns of a “Mirror” Response to the Seizure of Russian Vessels
World
Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow was prepared to respond to possible seizures of Russian merchant vessels by European countries. He said any retaliatory action would not necessarily be limited to the waters where Russian ships were detained and could take place elsewhere if deemed necessary by Russia.
Putin described the potential seizure of vessels linked to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” as “piracy and banditry” and said Russia would be forced to respond “in kind.” He made the remarks on August 12 on Sakhalin during a meeting with personnel of Russia’s Pacific Fleet.
Pacific Fleet Commander Viktor Liina said the Russian military had the capability to inspect vessels from “unfriendly countries” and was ready to carry out the tasks assigned to it.
The statement comes as European countries intensify measures targeting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. On August 2, an Italy-led European Union mission boarded the Toa Payoh, a tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, in the Mediterranean. The vessel was not seized because of the mission’s mandate limitations, although the documentation collected could support further legal action.
Russian officials have previously warned of possible retaliation against Western measures targeting vessels linked to Russian trade. Putin’s latest statement adds to those warnings by indicating that any Russian response could extend beyond the areas where Russian vessels are detained.
Pacific Fleet Commander Viktor Liina said the Russian military had the capability to inspect vessels from “unfriendly countries” and was ready to carry out the tasks assigned to it.
The statement comes as European countries intensify measures targeting Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. On August 2, an Italy-led European Union mission boarded the Toa Payoh, a tanker linked to Russia’s shadow fleet, in the Mediterranean. The vessel was not seized because of the mission’s mandate limitations, although the documentation collected could support further legal action.
Russian officials have previously warned of possible retaliation against Western measures targeting vessels linked to Russian trade. Putin’s latest statement adds to those warnings by indicating that any Russian response could extend beyond the areas where Russian vessels are detained.
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