Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will retaliate if Russian commercial ships are seized. The warning, reported on August 12, 2026, was presented as a response to European plans to detain vessels from Russia’s oil-carrying “shadow fleet” and sell cargo confiscated from them.

Putin described the seizure of Russian ships as “piracy and banditry.” He said Russia would have to take comparable action in response, and warned that such measures could be taken anywhere in the world if considered necessary. The report did not specify particular European vessels or locations that could be targeted.

The report also said that a detained Russian ship suspected of transporting grain from Ukrainian territory occupied by Russia would be handed over to Ukraine. Putin’s warning was issued amid reports concerning that vessel and the broader European plans involving Russian oil tankers and seized cargo.