Putin accuses France of piracy after tanker seizure
In a public address from the Black Sea resort city of Sochi, Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned France for what he described as piracy after its military reportedly halted a tanker believed to be connected to Russia’s shadow fleet. He insisted the seizure occurred in neutral waters without justification, noting that no military cargo was found aboard the vessel.
The tanker and the “shadow fleet” claim
Western officials have linked the vessel to what they call Russia’s shadow fleet. Putin acknowledged uncertainty about the extent of any official link, stressing that the tanker sailed under a foreign flag and carried an international crew. He described the French operation as an act of piracy, suggesting that authorities might have been searching for military materiel or drones, although he claimed nothing of that sort was on board.
Drones and attribution
The incident comes amid broader speculation about mysterious drone flights over Danish airspace. Putin rejected the notion that Moscow was behind those drone actions and dismissed the fear surrounding them as reminiscent of past UFO-era anxieties.
European militarization and the German angle
Putting the episode in a wider security frame, Putin lashed out at Europe’s growing militarization. He pointed to remarks in Germany about expanding the German armed forces, saying Moscow would monitor such moves closely and respond if necessary. He offered no concrete details on countermeasures, but signaled that steps from Russia would not be delayed.
Threats around Zaporizhzhia
On the broader war landscape, Putin accused Ukraine of launching air operations near the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant. He warned that Russia could retaliate by targeting power and nuclear facilities on Ukrainian-controlled territory, arguing that Kyiv still has functioning energy infrastructure and nuclear assets on its side. “What stops us from responding in kind? Let them think about it,” he said, framing the issue as a potential escalation in energy warfare.
Warnings to the United States
Turning to Western military aid, Putin warned the United States against supplying long-range Tomahawk missiles to Ukraine, saying such a move would be dangerous and could trigger a new phase of escalation. He cautioned that while it might not immediately shift battlefield balances, it would strain Moscow-Washington relations and raise the risk of broader conflict.
Context and implications
The remarks come as the war in Ukraine persists and global powers weigh how far to go in deterring or supporting different sides. Putin’s comments reflect a Kremlin argument that Western backing prolongs the conflict and a willingness to react to perceived threats on multiple fronts. The situation remains fluid, with diplomats and analysts watching how these exchanges influence next steps in regional security and international diplomacy.
The Ukrainian leadership, including President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, has repeatedly pressed for extended Western support, including weapons with longer ranges. Reports indicate discussions with Western leaders at various forums, including high-level meetings near the United Nations, have shaped ongoing debates over how to end the conflict and prevent further escalation.
