Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will respond if European countries move ahead with plans to seize Russian commercial vessels. Speaking on August 12 during a visit to exercises by Russia’s Pacific Fleet, Putin described efforts to restrict Russian ships as a violation of international maritime law and called the proposed seizures “nothing more than piracy.”

The warning comes as Western countries increase efforts to target Russia’s shadow fleet. The fleet includes aging and poorly insured tankers that Moscow uses to bypass sanctions and support other operations linked to the war. Many of these vessels sail under third-country flags, making efforts to track and restrict them more difficult.

"We see that the authorities of some countries, in violation of international maritime law, are attempting to restrict the movement of vessels belonging to our economic operators," Putin said while visiting exercises of Russia's Pacific Fleet.

He also criticised proposals to take control of Russian vessels and sell their assets. "And recently, they even came up with the idea of seizing our ships and selling the property they stole from us," he said, adding that Moscow "will be forced to respond in kind" if such methods are put into practice.

Several European countries have taken action against vessels linked to Russia’s shadow fleet in recent months. Sweden, France, the United Kingdom and Belgium have intercepted ships suspected of involvement in sanction-evasion activities. Some of these vessels have also faced allegations linked to the transport of goods from occupied Ukrainian territories.

In Sweden, courts have agreed to hand over the vessel Caffa to Ukraine. The ship has been identified as part of Russia’s shadow fleet and was carrying grain allegedly looted from Ukrainian territories under Russian occupation.

The United States has also taken action against a Russian-flagged tanker. On January 7, Washington seized the vessel in the Atlantic Ocean, marking the first such seizure by the US in recent history. Reports at the time said Russia had sent a submarine to protect the tanker.

Western governments and maritime watchdogs have raised wider concerns about Russia’s shadow fleet. They warn that the vessels could create security and environmental risks. Many of the tankers are old and poorly insured, increasing concerns over possible oil spills and damage to marine ecosystems.

Putin’s latest warning adds to tensions between Moscow and Western governments over the enforcement of sanctions and control of Russian-linked shipping.