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Putin threatens retaliation after Western seizures of Russian commercial ships

Putin said any response could occur outside the waters where ships were seized, and Moscow’s navy chief said inspections could target vessels tied to “unfriendly nations” and their “shadow fleet.”

Reported · Written up by our desk · Trade & Tariffs

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened retaliation after Western actions to detain Russian-linked commercial vessels, calling the moves a breach of international maritime law. Speaking during a visit to a Russian warship participating in a Pacific naval exercise, Putin said the detentions amounted to “piracy and robbery,” adding that Russia would respond “in kind” if the steps continued.

Putin said the retaliatory response would not necessarily be carried out in the same waters as the seizures, and that Moscow could act “in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate,” including in the Pacific.

According to SCMP Economy, the Pacific Fleet chief, Admiral Viktor Liina, told Putin that the navy was ready to inspect commercial ships serving “unfriendly nations.” Liina also said many carriers flying British, French, and other European flags operate vessels under other national flags, which he described as a “shadow fleet,” and said Russia has sufficient assets for inspections and detention.

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