# Putin threatens to seize EU ships in retaliation 2026-08-12T21:02:28+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 2 independent outlets Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday that Moscow would respond 'in kind' if European nations confiscate Russian merchant ships, calling any such seizure 'piracy and banditry'. Speaking during a visit to Sakhalin Island, where he reviewed naval drills, Putin said retaliation would not be limited to the waters where Russian vessels are detained, but could happen 'wherever we deem necessary', including the Pacific. The threat follows EU actions against Russia's 'shadow fleet', hundreds of ships suspected of evading sanctions imposed after the Ukraine war. France and the UK have already detained tankers, and the EU has sanctioned over 200 vessels. Russia's Pacific Fleet chief, Admiral Viktor Liina, told Putin the navy is ready to inspect and detain ships of 'unfriendly nations' flying flags of convenience. ## Coverage - thehindu.com - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: maritime law, Putin, retaliation, Russia, shadow fleet, Western sanctions Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/putin-threatens-retaliation-for-western-seizures-of-russian-vessels/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/putin-threatens-retaliation-for-western-seizures-of-russian-vessels/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.