“If Russian ships are confiscated, we will respond” – Putin
The Russian president warned European countries against seizing Russian trade ships and stated that such actions would not go unanswered.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has stated that if European countries confiscate Russian trade ships, Moscow will take corresponding measures in response. This was reported by Russia's state news agency TASS reported.
The European Union had been intensifying control and pressure against Russia's so-called "shadow fleet" of ships used to circumvent sanctions. European countries have also been taking measures to inspect and detain certain vessels suspected of violating sanctions.
Putin called such actions "piracy and banditry." According to him, if the practice of seizing Russian ships actually begins, Moscow will take "similar measures in response."
The Russian president also stated that the response measures would not be limited solely to the area where Russian ships are seized. According to his words, Russia can respond in any region it deems appropriate and necessary.
Putin made these statements while observing military exercises on Sakhalin Island in Russia's Far East. He also criticized NATO's increasing activity in the Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions.
