# Russia Warns Panama Arms Ships Can Be Hit

> Russia says Black Sea ships with weapons become targets, Panama flags face risk.
- Title: Russia Warns Panama Arms Ships Can Be Hit · The Rio Times
- Summary: Russia says Black Sea ships with weapons become targets, Panama flags face risk. Russia warns Panama-flagged ships carrying weapons in Black Sea can be…
- Keywords: russia, panama, black sea, weapons, military targets, panama maritime authority, black sea conflict, us shippers, insurers, sanctioned ships, news, world
- Source: The Rio Times — https://riotimesonline.com/russia-warns-panama-arms-ships-black-sea-targets-2026
- Author: Sofia Gabriela Martinez
- Published: 2026-10-26T08:18:09+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: russia, panama, black sea, weapons, military targets, panama maritime authority, black sea conflict, us shippers, insurers, sanctioned ships, news, world
## Russia's Warning
Russia's ambassador warned Panama-flagged ships carrying weapons in the Black Sea can become military targets regardless of flag.

> Vessels that carry armament can become military targets regardless of their flag
## Panama's Registry
Panama's registry lists 7,627 ships, so attacks on Panama-flagged vessels could reach owners, insurers and cargo buyers abroad.
## Panamanians in War
A 15 September government report counted 70 Panamanians active in the Russia-Ukraine war, six dead and 15 missing.
## Panama's Foreign Minister
Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha asked Russia's ambassador about Panama-flagged ships and citizens in the war.
## Russia's Response
Russia's ambassador confirmed an invitation for Panama's foreign minister to visit Russia next year.
## Panama's Actions
Panama will ask Russia's defence ministry to review options for Panamanians linked to the war.
## US Shippers at Risk
US shippers and insurers using Panama-flagged vessels face Black Sea risk due to Russia's warning.
## Sanctioned Ships
Panama's maritime authority began cancelling 10 US-sanctioned ships, cutting the fleet to 7,617.
## What's Next
No date set for Russia's response or Panama's foreign minister's visit to Russia.
## Key takeaway

Russia warns Panama-flagged ships carrying weapons in Black Sea can be military targets, affecting US shippers and insurers.