Moscow: Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Moscow will respond if European countries seize Russian merchant vessels.
Putin described such action as “piracy and banditry,” according to Russia’s state-run TASS news agency.
He also warned that any Russian response would not necessarily be limited to the waters where Russian ships were seized.
Putin Issues Retaliation Warning
Putin said Russia would be forced to respond if European governments carried out such measures.
According to TASS, he warned that Russia’s response could take place wherever Moscow considers it necessary.
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The remarks come as European countries increase pressure on Russia’s so-called shadow fleet.
The fleet includes vessels suspected of helping Russia bypass Western sanctions. European governments have also discussed tougher measures against ships suspected of sanctions violations.
EU Steps Up Pressure on Russia’s Shadow Fleet
The European Union has expanded sanctions against hundreds of vessels linked to Russia.
Some European authorities have also detained ships and their crews for inspections.
Meanwhile, several European governments are considering stronger maritime enforcement measures.
The measures are aimed at vessels suspected of helping Russia evade sanctions.
The EU has imposed extensive sanctions on Russia since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The bloc has also targeted Russia’s energy revenues and maritime networks.
Putin Raises NATO Concerns
Putin also criticized NATO’s growing presence in the Asia-Pacific region.
He accused the military alliance of expanding its activities in the region. According to TASS, he also warned about new military-political blocs.
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Putin further claimed that new weapons systems were being deployed or planned for deployment.
He said such systems could pose a threat to Russia.
The Russian president made the remarks from Sakhalin Island in Russia’s Far East. He was there to observe military exercises.
Tensions Over Maritime Enforcement
The dispute over Russian vessels adds another layer to growing tensions between Moscow and European governments.
European states are seeking ways to enforce sanctions more effectively. However, Russia has repeatedly opposed such measures.
Putin’s latest comments suggest that Moscow could take retaliatory action if Russian commercial vessels are seized.
The warning comes as European governments continue to debate how far they should go in targeting Russia’s shadow fleet.
