Russia Calls Hostile Actions Against Its Commercial Fleet Piracy, Urges Strong Response

President Vladimir Putin told fleet commanders that any attempts to target Russia’s commercial shipping must be dealt with “carefully, but decisively” – the same language he uses for combatting piracy. He warned that such hostile acts, which he says aim to pressure the Russian commercial fleet, should be met with firm action within the bounds of international maritime law.

Putin cited recent seizures of vessels by the United Kingdom and several EU states, which they claim belong to a so‑called “shadow fleet” helping Moscow evade sanctions. Russia denies the existence of such a fleet and condemns the confiscations as acts of piracy. The latest EU sanctions package now allows member countries to confiscate and manage Russian oil cargoes seized from these vessels.

The statement reflects ongoing tensions over maritime enforcement of sanctions against Russia and the West’s efforts to curb what they see as sanction‑busting shipping.