Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to seize foreign vessels. The corresponding statement was made by the Russian leader on Wednesday, August 12, during a visit to the final stage of the Pacific Fleet exercises. According to the head of the Russian state, the measure will be "mirror-like." "I want to draw attention to the decisions of the European Union that were made recently. We see that the authorities of some countries, in violation of international maritime law, are trying to restrict the movement of vessels of our economic operators peacefully, and recently they have come up with the possibility of seizing our vessels and selling the property stolen from us," Putin claimed. "Of course, this is nothing but piracy and robbery. And if this starts to be implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in kind," he further assured. According to the President of the Russian Federation, this will happen where Moscow deems these steps "necessary and appropriate" - anywhere, including "in the area of responsibility of the Pacific Fleet." ## ## EU Allowed Military to Inspect Vessels of Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' In June, the naval forces of European Union countries in the Mediterranean, as part of Operation IRINI, were granted the right to conduct authorized inspections of vessels that the EU considers part of Russia's "shadow fleet." "Our Operation IRINI has changed the rules of engagement and is now also beginning to board vessels," Kalas was quoted by the European External Action Service (EEAS). ## ## Kaja Kallas: Vessels of Russia's 'Shadow Fleet' Pose a Danger According to Kaja Kallas, the aim was to change "best practices" since the relevant vessels "do indeed pose a danger," and, of course, it is about limiting Russia's ability to finance the war in Ukraine. In July, as part of the 21st sanctions package, restrictions were imposed on 41 vessels that, according to the EU, are part of Russia's "shadow fleet." Prior to this, the corresponding list of the EU already included 632 vessels. For the first time, EU member states were also given the opportunity to seize cargo after detaining a vessel from the "shadow fleet" as part of a maritime operation. Such cargo can be sold, and the proceeds can be transferred to the state that carried out the detention. ## ## NATO Discussed Inspecting About a Dozen Vessels A NATO representative previously told Business Insider that over the past year, the naval forces of allied countries boarded approximately a dozen vessels associated with the so-called "shadow fleet" of Russia for inspection. It is used to transport oil and circumvent sanctions on energy resource exports from Russia.