Russia warns European powers it may use navy to protect ships from seizure
A top Kremlin aide warned Tuesday that Russia may use its navy to stop Western powers from seizing its vessels. He urged a permanent force to deter piracy.
Nikolai Patrushev, a senior official within the Russian government 
RU and head of Russia's Maritime Board, issued a warning on February 17, 2026, stating that Moscow could deploy the Russian Navy to prevent European powers from seizing Russian vessels. Patrushev indicated that Russia may also retaliate against European shipping, a development that would directly affect international maritime security and the enforcement of sanctions. This matters because such a deployment would have potential impacts on trade routes and the broader shipping/oil tanker sector.
RU and head of Russia's Maritime Board, issued a warning on February 17, 2026, stating that Moscow could deploy the Russian Navy to prevent European powers from seizing Russian vessels. Patrushev indicated that Russia may also retaliate against European shipping, a development that would directly affect international maritime security and the enforcement of sanctions. This matters because such a deployment would have potential impacts on trade routes and the broader shipping/oil tanker sector.
