Russian Navy Signals Warning to Western Countries: Kremlin Official Issues Caution

International Desk: PNN

Top Kremlin naval official Nikolai Patrushev has warned that Russia’s “shadow fleet” may respond if Western countries attempt to seize Russian ships, particularly those involved in oil transportation. He highlighted vigilance toward the United Kingdom, France, and Baltic nations.

Patrushev said, “The best guarantor of maritime security is always the navy. We must take strong measures to prevent ‘piracy-style attacks’ by Western nations. If we do not act decisively, they will inevitably try to block our maritime routes.”

He added that transporting oil, grains, and fertilizers is essential for Russia’s economic operations. Western nations are targeting critical sectors, particularly shipping.

Russia’s navy will be deployed strategically in important maritime regions, including areas beyond the country’s borders, aiming to deter Western aggressive policies. Patrushev also referenced U.S. military modernization, stating, “They are applying naval policies on Venezuela and Iran, which we are monitoring very carefully.”

Patrushev also warned regarding NATO’s plans to blockade Russia’s Baltic Kaliningrad region, stating, “If peaceful solutions fail, the navy will break the blockade.”

Meanwhile, Western countries have already acted against Russia’s “shadow fleet.” In January, U.S. special forces seized a Russian oil tanker related to Venezuela. At the same time, France also seized the Russian tanker Greench using a modern tactic, which was later released after the owner paid a multimillion-euro fine.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said, “It is not easy to evade European sanctions. Russia cannot remain neutral while using oil vessels in its war.”

Previously, in September 2025, French authorities seized another Russian vessel, Borakai. The European Union has already designated 598 vessels as part of the “shadow fleet,” restricting them from European ports and services.

Tensions between Russia and Western powers over maritime and economic issues are intensifying, signaling potential diplomatic conflicts and military escalation.