Russia's Pacific Fleet Commander Says Forces Are Ready to Seize Vessels of 'Hostile' Nations

Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday, August 12, 2026 (21 Mordad 1405), while overseeing Russian naval exercises in the Far East, that if European countries continue seizing vessels linked to Russia's so called shadow fleet, Moscow will respond in kind, in a location of its own choosing. At the same event, Viktor Liina, commander of Russia's Pacific Fleet, said his forces have both the capability and readiness to inspect and seize vessels belonging to hostile nations and their shadow fleets, and that the fleet has been tracking the shipping routes, cargo and ownership of vessels active across the Asia Pacific region. The remarks came as the European Union intensified sanctions on hundreds of vessels linked to Russia's oil shadow fleet.