Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European ships in response to new actions against Russian vessels. He made the warning while overseeing naval exercises in Russia’s Far East.
Several European companies have intercepted ships carrying Russian oil. Those actions target Russia’s “shadow fleet” and its oil revenues under European sanctions.
Moscow Condemns European Ship Seizures
New European Union sanctions allow member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from sanctioned ships. Moscow has strongly opposed the measure and called it “piracy and banditry.”
Putin warned that Russia would respond to the seizures. He said Moscow would act wherever it considered necessary and appropriate.
Swedish court documents obtained earlier this month showed another development. Stockholm plans to transfer a seized Russian ship to Kyiv after authorities suspected it carried grain from occupied Ukraine.
Putin Speaks During Russian Naval Drills
Putin delivered his remarks aboard the Russian cruiser Varyag near Sakhalin. Russia’s navy was conducting military exercises in the region.
The drills come shortly before planned US-South Korean military exercises. Those exercises will simulate potential scenarios involving a North Korean invasion.
Regional tensions remain high amid growing military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Kyiv and Seoul have accused Moscow and Pyongyang of strengthening their military ties.
The latest warning adds another layer to tensions between Russia and European countries. It also raises concerns about potential confrontations involving commercial shipping.
