Putin Threatens Retaliatory Measures Amid Kyiv’s Shadow Fleet Attacks
The Kremlin has threatened to take retaliatory measures against Western vessels supporting Ukraine following a series of attacks by Ukrainian forces on Russian shadow fleet oil tankers. The move comes as tensions escalate in the Black Sea, with multiple incidents reported in recent weeks.
According to sources, Putin told reporters that Moscow will initially “expand the range of strikes” on ports and incoming vessels to Ukraine. He also hinted at the possibility of targeting Western vessels assisting Ukraine, stating, “If this continues, we will consider the possibility – I’m not saying we will do this, but we will consider the possibility – of retaliatory measures against the vessels of those countries that assist Ukraine.”
Ukrainian Forces Step Up Attacks on Russian Shadow Fleet
Ukraine has been using Sea Baby naval drones to attack sanctioned Russian oil tankers in an effort to cut off Putin‘s blood money supply. The attacks have been successful, with multiple incidents reported in recent weeks. On Tuesday alone, a Russian oil tanker was hit again in the Black Sea, marking the fourth incident in as many days.
The Ukrainian Navy has been working closely with the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) to coordinate these attacks, which have dealt a significant blow to Russian oil transportation. According to sources, the SBU claims responsibility for the brilliant attacks on the shadow fleet, stating that “Modernised Sea Baby naval drones successfully targeted the vessels.”
International Concerns Grow as Tensions Escalate
The international community is growing increasingly concerned about the escalating tensions in the Black Sea. Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna warned that the situation could escalate and threaten shipping in the Baltic Sea, stating, “About 60-plus percent of Russia’s gas and oil exports pass through the Gulf of Finland, and that is an enormous volume, especially in a corridor only about 6 nautical miles wide.”
Turkey has also weighed in on the issue, with the Turkish directorate of maritime affairs stating that a Russian tanker was hit by a Ukrainian drone off its coastline. The ship did not request any help, and no injuries were reported among its 13 crew members.
Moscow Condemns Attacks as Threat to Global Energy Security
The Kremlin has strongly condemned Ukraine’s attacks on tankers in the Black Sea and infrastructure of the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) in Novorossiysk. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that they condemn Ukraine’s successful attacks, saying it is threatening global energy security.
As tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to Putin‘s threats of retaliatory measures against Western vessels supporting Ukraine. One thing is certain, however: the situation in the Black Sea has reached a critical point, and the world is watching with bated breath.
Original Article: Putin threatens ‘retaliatory measures’ on Western vessels amid Kyiv’s shadow fleet attacks – London Business News — Londonlovesbusiness