Putin threatens to seize Western ships after detentions
Pacific Fleet commander says the navy is ready to inspect and detain ships from “unfriendly” countries, even outside the original seizure area.
Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate against Western countries for detaining Russian merchant ships by seizing commercial vessels of their own. During a visit to a Russian warship taking part in naval drills in the Pacific on Wednesday, Putin called the Western actions “piracy” and a violation of international maritime law. He said any response would not have to take place where Russian ships were detained, but could occur in other areas deemed necessary, including the Pacific. Pacific Fleet Commander Admiral Viktor Liina then reported that the navy was ready to inspect and detain ships serving “unfriendly” countries. The move followed detentions and sanctions by France, Britain and the European Union against vessels suspected of being linked to Russia’s shadow fleet used to transport oil amid sanctions over the war in Ukraine.