Tensions soar as Putin makes ‘piracy’ dig and threatens to seize UK ships

A senior Russian navy commander told Vladimir Putin his forces are ready to 'inspect and detain' vessels from what he described as hostile states.

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

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation over the West’s seizure of commercial vessels. Speaking aboard a Russian warship, Putin described the measures targeting Russia as an act of piracy and robbery. France 24 International Affairs editor Philip Turle shares further insights.

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

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.

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'.