Russia has sent NATO countries a direct warning over the possible consequences of seizing Russian merchant vessels. Military expert and retired Captain 1st Rank Vasily Dandykin said the message was reflected in President Vladimir Putin’s statement aboard the Varyag cruiser that Moscow was prepared to respond to such actions with equivalent measures.

Dandykin said the warning was aimed primarily at countries involved in vessel seizures that, in his assessment, amount to maritime piracy.

Speaking to News.ru, the analyst identified the United Kingdom and France among the countries targeted by the warning, while also pointing to the United States because of its sanctions pressure. He stressed that the message was directed at NATO rather than countries such as China, India or Indonesia.

Dandykin also drew attention to the timing of Putin’s statement, which coincided with large-scale Pacific Fleet exercises. More than 60 warships, vessels and boats took part in the drills, alongside around 30 aircraft, including drones, and 13,000 military personnel.

According to the expert, the exercises likely include missions related to combating piracy and preventing unlawful vessel seizures. He noted that the Pacific Fleet is only one of Russia’s ocean-going fleets.

Dandykin said that if Western countries continue seizing Russian ships, Moscow could respond with similar measures. He separately pointed to cases in which cargo from detained vessels is sold and the ships are later scrapped, noting that a Russian tanker was recently involved in such an incident.

The analyst named reinforced protection of civilian vessels as one possible Russian response. He said Putin had already assigned the Russian Navy relevant tasks and that such operations would continue.

Dandykin added that the Pacific Fleet is not the only force capable of carrying out these measures. Similar steps could also be taken in the Baltic, the North and even the Caspian Sea.