Putin Warns of Retaliation Against Western Operations Targeting Russia’s Shadow Fleet
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to retaliate against Western operations targeting vessels linked to Russia‘s shadow fleet, warning that Moscow could respond “anywhere” it considers necessary.
Putin issued the warning aboard the Russian missile cruiser Varyag during a visit to the disputed Kuril Islands, claimed by both Russia and Japan. Speaking in full naval uniform, he said Russia would respond “in kind” to operations against its shadow fleet.
Crucially, Putin indicated that any Russian response would not necessarily be confined to the location of a boarding or seizure. Russia could act “wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate – anywhere, including in the Pacific Fleet’s area of responsibility,” he said.
That wording potentially expands the risk for British forces operating thousands of miles from European waters. It suggests that Moscow could consider responding against British interests in another theatre rather than directly confronting the forces involved in a particular boarding operation.
Royal Marines’ Raid on Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker Sparks Tensions
Back in June, Royal Marines fast-roped onto the deck of the Russian shadow fleet tanker Smyrtos. The operation was conducted without resistance, but the circumstances could be very different in a future confrontation. Some shadow fleet vessels are known to have military personnel aboard, while Russian warships have also been used to escort such shipping.
A crew refusing to comply, opening fire or receiving military support could turn a boarding from a law-enforcement operation into a confrontation involving armed forces. Britain’s military presence in the Indo-Pacific is relatively limited. The Royal Navy has two River-class patrol vessels, HMS Tamar and HMS Spey, deployed in the region.
UK and Russia Engage in Naval Encounters
The Royal Navy has been closely monitoring Russian naval activity closer to home. It said British forces spent 21 days tracking Russian activity in UK waters and the North Atlantic in July – a 25% increase from the previous year. During one encounter, the Navy released photographs showing the Russian frigate Neutrashimy, involved in shadow fleet escort activity, conducting live-fire exercises outside UK and French territorial waters.
HMS Tyne monitored the Russian vessel from approximately five nautical miles away, gathering intelligence on its weapons during the exercise. The encounters demonstrate how closely British and Russian forces are operating around European waters as Russia seeks to protect shipping that helps sustain its oil exports and Britain attempts to monitor and disrupt the shadow fleet.
UK Government Defends Smyrtos Boarding
The UK Government has defended the Smyrtos boarding, saying it was conducted in full accordance with international law. London has also stressed that disrupting shadow fleet vessels is important because their oil revenues contribute to Russia‘s economy and war effort. The Smyrtos remains detained by the UK Department for Transport at a port near Weymouth and is still carrying about 100,000 tonnes of Russian oil.
Original Article: Russia Warns to Hit Back ‘Anywhere’ after Royal Marines Raid Russian Shadow Fleet Tanker — Defensemirror