MOSCOW – Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday that Russia would respond in kind if Western countries seize its merchant ships.

“We see that the authorities of some countries, in violation of international maritime law, are trying to restrict the movement of our economic operators' vessels, peaceful vessels, I want to emphasize," Putin said during the final stage of the Pacific Fleet's exercises.

His remarks come against the backdrop of recent interceptions and inspections of "shadow fleet" ships by European naval forces, including Italian-led European Union operations in the Mediterranean.

At the end of July, the EU also adopted a port access ban on 41 more "shadow fleet" vessels and introduced mandatory notification requirements for the sale of liquefied natural gas tankers to Russia.

The Russian leader has also voiced his concern over increasing tensions in the Asia-Pacific region due to "unprovoked" sanctions against Russia introduced by Japan.

"Unfortunately, we are seeing changes in positions, and I would like to emphasize that these changes were not provoked by anything on our part," he said.

NATO, Japan's moves pose security threat

Putin also cautioned that NATO's plans to deploy new weapons in the Asia-Pacific region pose a threat to Russia.

“We see that the potential for conflict is growing here. NATO is seeping into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems are being deployed and planned for deployment here, which pose threats to our country as well," he said.

Speaking of the regional changes, the Russian president said Japan has classified Russia as a source of major threats for the first time. He assured that Russia does not have any claims against Japan.

According to official NATO statements, security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is seen as increasingly linked, especially since the start of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. This prompted Japan and NATO to enhance collaboration through the Individually Tailored Partnership Programme. Japan has also established a Diplomatic Mission to NATO in January 2025.

In late June, the US Typhon mid-range missile system was temporarily deployed to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima Prefecture for the US-hosted Valiant Shield 2026 military exercises. Since the beginning of the Ukraine conflict, Japan has also been contributing to NATO's Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine.

Geopolitical tensions are also rising in the Arctic and noted that Russia has always advocated its readiness for international cooperation along the Northern Sea Route, added Putin.