PNN – Dmitry Medvedev, Deputy Chairman of the Russian Security Council, stated that Russia reserves the right to target any commercial vessel belonging to hostile nations if there are sufficient grounds to believe it is carrying cargo destined for Ukraine.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network; citing RT, the Russian Security Council official emphasized that Russia could treat Western commercial vessels in the same manner that Europe treats ships linked to Russia’s “shadow fleet.”
According to the report, Dmitry Medvedev stated that Russia reserves the right to target any commercial vessel belonging to hostile nations—even those sailing in neutral waters—if there are sufficient grounds to believe they are carrying cargo destined for Ukraine.
He also emphasized that the Russian armed forces possess the capability to extend their operations beyond the Black Sea.
These remarks follow rising tensions surrounding Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”—a group of vessels that Western nations associate with efforts to circumvent oil sanctions imposed on Russia.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also recently warned that the country would retaliate against any attempt to seize Russian commercial vessels.