Putin warns of tit-for-tat seizures of European vessels

Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a stern warning to European nations, threatening to seize their vessels if they proceed with plans to confiscate Russian commercial ships. The threat was made by Putin while on a Russian cruiser in the Pacific, off the island of Sakhalin, where Russia's navy was conducting a drill. According to Russia's TASS news agency, Putin stated that Russia would be prepared to carry out its own seizures "wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate."

This warning follows several European countries intercepting ships suspected of carrying Russian oil in violation of European sanctions. New sanctions passed in the previous month allow European Union members to sell the seized oil or any other cargo. Putin's comments seem to reference these sanctions, accusing some European countries of attempting to "restrict the movement of vessels belonging to our economic operators" and suggesting they are considering seizing Russian ships to sell the stolen property.

Putin called these actions "piracy and robbery" and said relevant instructions have already been given to Russia's Ministry of Defence and Pacific Fleet.