Putin signals possible retaliation over Ukrainian attacks on Black Sea tankers

Russia may consider taking retaliatory measures against vessels from countries that assist Ukraine in what Moscow describes as “pirate operations,” President Vladimir Putin said on December 2.

Speaking to journalists, Putin commented on recent Ukrainian attacks on tankers in the Black Sea, Caliber.Az reports, citing Russian media.

“If this continues, we will consider the possibility of taking retaliatory action against ships from those countries that help Ukraine carry out these pirate operations,” the Russian leader said.

Putin also characterised Russia’s military operations in Ukraine as “surgical,” insisting that Moscow is not engaged in a full-scale war. He added that if Europe were to attack Russia, the situation would be very different.

“If Europe suddenly starts a war with us, I think it will be very quick. This is not Ukraine. In Ukraine, we are acting in a surgical manner, carefully. This is not a war in the direct, modern sense of the word,” he said.

The Russian president further criticised the European Union, claiming it obstructs the peace process initiated by US President Donald Trump. He asserted that European nations still harbour illusions about inflicting a strategic defeat on Russia, despite recognising that such an outcome is impossible.

“We have no intention of fighting Europe, I have said this hundreds of times. But if Europe suddenly wants to fight us and begins, we are ready immediately. There can be no doubt about this,” Putin added.

By Aghakazim Guliyev