Putin Threatens to Seize European Ships in Retaliation for Russian Vessel Seizures

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize ships belonging to European countries in retaliation for European plans to sell cargo confiscated from Russian “shadow fleet” vessels.

Several European countries have intercepted ships suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of sanctions targeting Moscow’s energy revenues. New European Union sanctions adopted last month allow member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from such vessels.

Putin condemned the seizures, describing them as “piracy and banditry,” and warned that Russia would respond.

“We will be forced to respond in kind,” Putin said while overseeing Russian naval exercises in the Far East.

He added that Moscow would take action “wherever we ourselves deem necessary and appropriate,” suggesting that Russian retaliation could occur in any location.

Earlier this month, Swedish court documents obtained by AFP indicated that Sweden planned to transfer to Ukraine a seized Russian vessel suspected of transporting grain from occupied Ukrainian territory.

Putin made the remarks aboard the Russian cruiser Varyag near Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting military drills.

The exercises come just one week before planned joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea. Regional tensions have increased amid accusations from Ukraine and South Korea that Russia and North Korea are deepening their military cooperation.

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