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Putin threatens to seize EU ships in retaliation
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…
The Story in Brief
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.
The Indian Opinion
Both sides in this shadow-fleet standoff are playing with fire. The EU and Britain are right to enforce sanctions, but detaining commercial ships on the high seas is a risky escalation that blurs the line between law enforcement and provocation. Putin's talk of 'piracy' rings hollow given Russia's own flouting of maritime rules and its threats to seize European vessels. The real test will be whether Moscow actually stops and boards a Western-linked tanker, and whether Brussels then backs down or doubles down. That moment will settle who is bluffing.
Sources (2): thehindu.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
