Putin threatens retaliatory seizures of European ships

Several European companies have intercepted ships carrying Russian oil in contravention of European sanctions targeting the vital revenue source.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels, describing them as “piracy.”

The warning follows the EU’s adoption of a mechanism allowing member states to confiscate and sell Russian oil carried aboard shadow fleet vessels.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow would respond in kind to the seizure of Russian vessels by European Union countries, speaking during a visit to Pacific Fleet exercises in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk.

Putin threatens retaliation for Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels  Toronto Star

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to retaliate to Western seizures of its commercial vessels

Vladimir Putin today dramatically threatened to seize British ships in the Pacific.

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate against any European Union moves to seize his country’s commercial ships, calling such actions “piracy.”

Vladimir Putin threatened to seize European ships in response to the interception and seizure of Russian vessels presumed to be part of Moscow's 'shadow fleet'.