Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize British ships in the Pacific Ocean as a retaliatory measure if European countries continue to arrest Russian "shadow fleet" tankers. Putin, speaking while aboard the missile cruiser Varyag during Pacific Fleet war games, stated that such actions would be a response to the detention of Russian vessels carrying oil intended to fund Moscow's war efforts.
Admiral Viktor Liina, commander of the Pacific Fleet, reported identifying 26 British commercial vessels within Russia's exclusive economic zone since April. Liina stated that Russia possesses the capability to inspect and detain vessels from "unfriendly states" and their associated shadow fleets, and that inter-agency coordination is in place for such operations.
Putin asserted that some European countries are violating international maritime law by restricting the movement of vessels operated by Russian economic entities. He characterized the seizure of Russian ships and property as "piracy and robbery," warning that Russia would "respond in kind" if these measures persist. Putin clarified that any retaliatory action could occur "anywhere" Russia deems it necessary and appropriate, not necessarily in the same waters where Russian ships are targeted.
This threat comes after a June 14 operation where Royal Marines and National Crime Agency officers boarded the sanctioned tanker Smyrtos in international waters. The operation, supported by naval and air assets, aimed to potentially sell the seized oil, valued at up to 40 million pounds, with proceeds going to Ukraine.
According to Liina, between April 24 and August 6, 2026, 1001 vessels transited Russia's exclusive economic zone. Of these, 379 flew the flags of "unfriendly states," including 273 dry cargo ships and 71 tankers, with 26 British and nine French vessels identified among them. Liina also noted that Western states utilize vessels flagged by third countries for cargo transport, referring to these as their "shadow fleet."
Dmitry Medvedev, a member of Russia's security council, echoed the threat, stating that Russia has the right to target any merchant vessel belonging to hostile countries, even in neutral waters, if there are grounds to suspect it carries cargo for the "enemy." Medvedev added that Russia's armed forces are capable of expanding their operations beyond the Black Sea basin, a point that had been reported to Putin by the Pacific Fleet commander.