A high-ranking Russian official has declared that Moscow may deploy its naval forces to protect Russian-linked vessels from potential seizures by European nations, threatening retaliatory actions against European shipping as pressure mounts on the Kremlin's so-called shadow fleet.
Naval Threats and 'Western Piracy' Allegations
Nikolai Patrushev, a former director of the FSB who now leads Russia's maritime board, stated on Tuesday that the country's navy must be prepared to counter what he labelled "western piracy." In an interview with the Russian newspaper Argumenty i Fakty, Patrushev asserted, "If this situation cannot be resolved peacefully, the navy will break any blockade and move to eliminate it. And let's not forget that many vessels sail the seas under European flags – we, too, may take an interest in what they are carrying and where they are headed."
Legal Challenges and the Shadow Fleet Definition
Patrushev further argued that any attempt to impose a maritime blockade on Russia would be illegal under international law. He claimed that the European Union's use of the term "shadow fleet" lacks a legal foundation, challenging the basis for enforcement actions.
The term refers to an estimated 1,500 ageing or lightly regulated oil tankers operating under opaque ownership structures. These vessels facilitate Russia's export of crude oil to buyers such as China and India while circumventing western sanctions. More than 600 ships have been targeted by sanctions from the EU, UK, and US, measures that have effectively curbed Russian oil revenues.
European Discussions and Enforcement Struggles
Patrushev's remarks coincided with a meeting between British Defence Secretary John Healey and European counterparts on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference. They discussed potential moves to seize tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet, reflecting growing political pressure.
Despite this, European governments have faced difficulties in developing a coherent legal mechanism for physically stopping or confiscating these ships. Current efforts rely heavily on sanctions, insurance restrictions, and inspections. Western allies have warned that vessels lacking proper documentation may be treated as stateless, potentially broadening the scope for intervention at sea.
Recent Interceptions and Escalating Tensions
Earlier this year, the French navy briefly intercepted a tanker suspected of operating within the shadow fleet before allowing it to continue its journey. In recent months, the United States has moved to physically interdict and seize several tankers linked to shadow fleets carrying sanctioned oil from Russia, Venezuela, and Iran.
Patrushev's comments, however, appeared to focus primarily on Europe, suggesting the Kremlin is cautious about escalating tensions with Washington. This caution comes as delicate negotiations over Ukraine continue, with senior Ukrainian and Russian officials expected to meet in Geneva on Tuesday for high-stakes talks brokered by the Trump administration, nearing the fourth anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
The situation underscores the complex geopolitical landscape, where maritime enforcement of sanctions risks provoking military responses, further complicating international relations and trade security.
