Putin warns of tit-for-tat seizures of European vessels | Russia-Ukraine war News
Putin Threatens Retaliation Over European Vessel Seizures
Published on August 12, 2026
President Vladimir Putin of Russia has issued a stern warning, threatening to seize European vessels in response to plans by some European nations to confiscate commercial ships carrying Russian cargo.
Putin made the remarks Wednesday while aboard a Russian cruiser near the Pacific island of Sakhalin, where the Russian navy is currently conducting military drills. According to Russia’s TASS news agency, he stated that Russia would take action “wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate.”
This statement follows recent reports that several European nations intercepted ships allegedly part of Moscow’s “shadow fleet” believed to be transporting Russian oil in violation of European Union sanctions. New sanctions enacted last month now allow EU member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from such vessels.
During his comments, Putin referenced these sanctions, claiming certain countries are attempting to “restrict the movement of vessels belonging to our economic operators” and have proposed seizing Russian ships and liquidating their cargo. He labeled these actions as “piracy and robbery” and asserted that Russia would respond in kind if these plans were executed. He confirmed that he has directed Russia’s Ministry of Defence and the Pacific Fleet, responsible for the country’s naval interests in the Pacific, to prepare for potential responses.
In addition to addressing the vessel situation, Putin accused NATO of expanding its influence in the Asia Pacific region, which he said is exacerbating tensions in the Arctic. He noted that NATO is forming new military-political alliances and deploying weapons systems that threaten Russia.
The current naval exercises coincide with the upcoming joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, which aim to simulate a possible invasion by North Korea. Tensions remain elevated in the region as Ukraine and South Korea have accused North Korea and Russia of increasing their military collaboration.
On Tuesday, Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy charged that Russia utilized North Korean missiles in a recent deadly airstrike on Ukraine. He had previously warned that Moscow is receiving additional ballistic missiles and troops from Pyongyang, an alliance he described as a significant threat not only to Ukraine but also to East Asian countries. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has reportedly dispatched thousands of troops and significant military supplies to support Russia’s ongoing invasion.
