Russia threatens to attack commercial vessels suspected of aiding enemies

Dmitry Medvedev has stated that Russia reserves the right to attack any commercial vessel acting in the interests of an enemy, whether in Russian waters or neutral waters, if there is sufficient suspicion that the ship is transporting cargo for an adversary. Medvedev noted that he has discussed this matter with Supreme Commander Vladimir Putin.

He warned that such actions could significantly expand the operational reach of the Russian armed forces beyond the Black Sea region. Medvedev also addressed the concept of Russia’s ‘shadow fleet,’ describing it as ordinary civilian vessels operating under foreign flags to serve Russian interests. He argued that Western nations have no legal basis under the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea or domestic laws to detain such vessels.