Putin threatened to confiscate European ships if they advance against the Russian phantom fleet

The president of Russia, Vladimir Putin, issued a warning to European countries during his visit to the missile cruiser Variag, on Sakhalin Island.

The leader stated that Moscow could respond with the confiscation of European ships anywhere in the world if the governments of that continent take action against Russian vessels linked to the so-called phantom fleet.

Putin maintained that the Russian response would be “symmetrical,” although he clarified that it would not necessarily occur in the same seas where a European measure might be implemented. He suggested that Moscow could act where it deems necessary, including the area of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet.

The warning was made during a working visit to Siberia and the Far East, while maneuvers of the Pacific Fleet were underway. From the flagship of that force, the Russian president questioned the measures that some European governments are promoting against Russian ships.

Putin accused Europe of violating maritime law

Aboard the Variag, Putin stated that some European governments are acting “in violation of international maritime law” by restricting the transit of Russian civilian vessels. He also questioned the possibility of authorities taking action against the vessels and their cargoes. In that regard, he asserted that the idea of requisitioning the ships and selling their cargo would represent “piracy and looting.”

The warning comes as the European Union tightens measures against the so-called Russian phantom fleet, a clandestine network of hundreds of oil tankers that Russia uses to export its crude and evade the economic sanctions imposed by the West following its invasion of Ukraine.

The sanctions have been expanded to hundreds of ships, and some vessels and their crews have been detained for inspections.

Additionally, some European governments are considering stricter maritime controls on ships suspected of evading sanctions. Putin linked these initiatives to the possibility that inspections could lead to the confiscation of Russian vessels.

The Russian president differentiated between vessels belonging to civilian economic operators and the so-called phantom fleet. However, he included both issues within his criticisms of European pressure.

The response of the Pacific Fleet

The military context of the visit reinforced Putin's message. The leader toured the cruiser in naval uniform and described the maneuvers of the Pacific Fleet as necessary to maintain its combat readiness and protect Russia's interests in the Asia-Pacific region.

Admiral Viktor Liina, commander of the Pacific Fleet, supported the threat from the Kremlin chief and assured that the forces under his command are prepared to act.

Liina stated that the Russian naval group “has the forces to stop ships from unfriendly countries and their phantom fleet.” Furthermore, he asserted that they are ready to begin those missions.