Russian Leader Putin Orders Navy to Act Decisively Against Western Interdictions
Russian President Vladimir Putin has ordered the leadership of the Russian Navy to take decisive action against Western efforts to seize Russian oil and gas tankers, likening the interdictions to acts of maritime piracy. The directive comes in response to stepped-up maritime enforcement by European Union nations and the United Kingdom targeting Moscow’s shadow fleet.
Speaking during a meeting with commanders of the Pacific, Northern, Baltic, and Black Sea fleets alongside the Caspian Flotilla, Putin instructed military officers to safeguard Russian maritime operations. He emphasized the need for careful action within the framework of international maritime law, but also stressed the importance of decisiveness in combating what he perceives as acts of piracy.
“I want to draw your attention to the fact that in such cases, of course, one must act carefully, within the framework of international maritime law, but decisively—just as one must fight piracy and pirates,” Putin said.
EU Tightens Economic Pressure with New Sanctions Package
In response to the growing frequency of interceptions, Russian commercial vessels have increasingly begun arming themselves. Heavy machine gun emplacements were identified aboard the Russian LNG carrier Marshal Vasilevsky, which supplies fuel to the Kaliningrad exclave. A European intelligence official noted that the presence of heavy weaponry significantly alters Western operational risk calculations, explaining that if shadow fleet vessels carry heavy-caliber firearms, “the probability that someone will board such a ship becomes virtually zero.”
Simultaneously, the European Union has moved to tighten economic pressure under its 21st sanctions package by approving a mechanism allowing member states to sell commodities seized from intercepted vessels. A senior Brussels official confirmed that the measure permits EU nations to liquidate confiscated cargoes—including petroleum products, grain, and other raw materials—while explicitly prohibiting the transfer of any sales proceeds back to Russian individuals or corporate entities.
Shadow Fleet’s Role in Circumventing Oil Price Caps
Russian shadow fleet tankers have reportedly been used as offshore launchpads for surveillance drones targeting European military sites at least 144 times. Alongside their role in circumventing oil price caps, these vessels have also played a significant part in the Russian government’s efforts to undermine Western sanctions.
EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Kaja Kallas confirmed on July 22 that Western authorities have intercepted five Russian-linked tankers since the start of the year, with France conducting three of the seizures to enforce sanctions at sea. The growing frequency and intensity of these interceptions have led to increased tensions between Russia and the West.
Original Article: EU Moves to Liquidate Seized Cargo as Putin Equates Maritime Enforcement to Piracy — UNITED24 Media — United24Media