Putin Warns Russia Will Respond to Seizure of Its Merchant Vessels

World 12:15 PM - 2026-08-12

Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will respond in kind if European countries seize Russian merchant vessels, saying any such retaliation could take place wherever Russia considers necessary, including in the Pacific Ocean.

Speaking on Wednesday, 12 August 2026, from Russia's Far Eastern island of Sakhalin, where he was overseeing military exercises, Putin accused some countries of violating international maritime law by restricting the movement of Russian commercial vessels.

He said some governments had recently considered seizing Russian ships and selling property taken from them, describing such actions as "piracy and banditry".

"If this is actually put into practice, we will be forced to respond in kind," Putin said, according to the TASS state news agency.

Putin said Russia's response would not necessarily be limited to the waters where a Russian vessel was seized, but could take place "wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate".

The Russian president also warned of rising tensions in the Pacific, accusing NATO of expanding its presence in the region and of contributing to the formation of new military and political blocs.

"NATO is making inroads into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems that pose a threat to Russia are being deployed or are slated for deployment," Putin said, according to TASS.

His remarks came as European governments have intensified pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet, expanding sanctions against vessels suspected of helping Moscow evade restrictions on its oil exports. Some European countries have also been considering tougher measures to intercept or detain such ships.

Russia Says It Poses No Threat to Japan

Putin also said Russia posed no threat to Japan and had no claims against the country, while criticising Tokyo's security policy towards Moscow.

Japan has increasingly identified Russia as a major security concern as tensions have grown between Moscow and Western countries.

Addressing Russia's Pacific Fleet exercises, Putin said military drills were necessary to maintain the fleet's combat readiness, protect Russia's interests and security in the Asia-Pacific region, and strengthen the country's military capabilities there.

He added that Russia's military preparations should take into account the experience gained during what Moscow calls its "special military operation" in Ukraine.

Putin concluded by saying that Russia was strengthening its security while remaining ready to seek compromises with its neighbours and partners.

"We are always ready to seek mutually acceptable compromises with all our neighbours and partners," he said, adding that Russia was prepared to do so on the basis of shared interests.


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