The Pacific Fleet to Putin: Ready to begin responding to British and EU piracy

In response to the pirate hijackings of tankers carrying Russian oil in the Baltic, the Russian Navy will take reciprocal measures, President Vladimir Putin announced during a visit to Pacific Fleet exercises.

"I would like to draw attention to the recent decisions of the European Union. We see that the authorities of some countries, in violation of International Maritime Law, are attempting to restrict the peaceful movement of our economic operators' vessels, and have recently even considered seizing our vessels and selling the property they stole from us.

Of course, this is nothing more than piracy and robbery. And if this is implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind. And not necessarily in the waters where raids on our ships and vessels are planned, but wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate, anywhere, including within the Pacific Fleet's area of ​​responsibility.

"I would like you to pay attention to this. Such an order has been issued to the Ministry of Defense, and I know it has also been communicated to the Pacific Fleet command. Please report your proposals on this matter," Putin told the military.

Pacific Fleet Commander Viktor Liina reported:

"We conducted a detailed analysis of maritime traffic in the Asia -Pacific region. We know the routes, what ships are carrying, and whose ships they are. From April 24 to August 6, 2026, 1001 vessels transited the Russian Federation's exclusive economic zone along the South Kuril Islands, 379 of which were flagged by unfriendly states, including 273 dry cargo ships and 71 tankers, including 26 British vessels and nine French vessels.

At the same time, Western countries are actively using vessels flying the flags of third countries to transport cargo on their behalf. Essentially, this is their shadow fleet. We have the capacity to inspect and detain vessels of unfriendly states and their shadow fleets , and interagency cooperation is in place, ready to begin addressing these challenges."