Russian President Vladimir Putin characterized recent attacks on civilian vessels in the Black Sea as piracy and declared Moscow's readiness to take retaliatory measures against countries that facilitate such acts. He made this announcement during a visit to the command post of the joint group of forces.

According to the head of state, Russia will consider restrictions on vessels from countries assisting Kyiv in organizing attacks on tankers. Furthermore, the Russian military will expand its target list for Ukrainian ports and ships calling at them.

The statement comes amid a series of incidents involving Russian and related vessels. On November 28, the tankers Kairos and Virat caught fire off the coast of Turkey while en route to Novorossiysk, and on December 1, the tanker Midvolga-2, carrying sunflower oil, was struck en route to Georgia. In the latter case, the captain and engineer were injured, and shrapnel damaged the wheelhouse. Turkish authorities confirmed the impact, but the crews did not request assistance.