PUTIN WARNS OF RETALIATION FOR WESTERN SEIZURES OF RUSSIAN COMMERCIAL SHIPS

On Wednesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia would retaliate against Western countries that seize its commercial vessels, calling the moves piracy and a breach of international maritime law. The remarks were made during a visit to a Russian warship participating in a naval exercise in the Pacific Ocean, heightening tensions over recent Western sanctions that have led to seizures of Russian-flagged ships.

Putin said, “It’s nothing but piracy and robbery.” He added that if Western powers continue detaining vessels linked to Russia, Russia would be forced to respond in kind, potentially seizing European ships. The statement followed a series of Western actions that have detained Russian vessels for alleged sanctions violations, a practice that Russia views as unlawful.

The warning comes amid ongoing disputes over maritime sanctions imposed by the United States and European Union, which have targeted Russian shipping to curb the country’s military spending. It underscores the escalating risk of reciprocal attacks on commercial vessels in international waters.

• Putin threatens retaliation for Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels.
• He characterizes these seizures as piracy and a violation of international maritime law.
• Russia could respond by seizing European ships if the practice continues.
• France 24, ABC News, and EuroNews report similar warning statements by Putin.

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