Putin threatens to seize Western ships anywhere in the world

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize Western commercial vessels anywhere in the world in retaliation for the interception of Russian-linked ships, describing Western maritime interdictions as “piracy and robbery” that violate international law.

Speaking at a Pacific Fleet commanders’ meeting on Wednesday, as reported by RT, Putin warned: “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.”

Sahara Reporters Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina revealed that 1,001 vessels passed through Russia’s exclusive economic zone between April 24 and August 6, including 379 ships from countries Moscow considers “unfriendly” — among them British and French-flagged tankers.

The warning escalates tensions over Western efforts to disrupt Russia’s so-called shadow fleet allegedly circumventing oil export sanctions imposed following the Ukraine invasion.