# Putin says Moscow will respond in kind if Europe seizes Russian merchant ships

https://mins.news/en/item/19899

- The Kyiv Independent, 2026-08-12 08:19 UTC
- World
- Original: https://kyivindependent.com/moscow-to-respond-in-kind-to-western-countries-seizing-russian-commercial-ships-putin-says/

> Vladimir Putin says Moscow would respond in kind if European countries seize Russian merchant ships. His warning comes as Western governments intensify efforts against Russia’s so-called shadow fleet. The fleet consists of aging, poorly insured tankers that Moscow uses to evade sanctions and conduct hybrid operations. The statement frames possible vessel seizures as an issue likely to draw a reciprocal response from Russia.

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