Putin threatens to seize European vessels if Russian ships are targeted

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European vessels if European countries move ahead with plans to confiscate more commercial ships carrying Russian cargo.

Speaking aboard a Russian cruiser near the Pacific island of Sakhalin on Wednesday, Putin said Moscow could carry out seizures “wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,” according to Russia’s TASS news agency.

The warning follows moves by several European countries to intercept vessels suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet, which transports Russian oil in breach of European sanctions.

New European Union sanctions approved last month allow member states to sell oil and other cargo confiscated from seized ships.

Putin accused European countries of attempting to “restrict the movement of vessels belonging to our economic operators” and considering the seizure and sale of Russian property.

“If these plans are put into practice, we will have to respond in kind,” Putin said, according to Russia’s RIA Novosti news agency. He described the proposed measures as “piracy and robbery”.

Putin said instructions had already been issued to Russia’s Ministry of Defence and Pacific Fleet.

The Russian leader also accused NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia Pacific and increasing tensions in the Arctic.

His comments came during Russian naval exercises in the western Pacific, ahead of planned joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea.