Russian President Vladimir Putin said Russia would retaliate if European Union countries seize Russian commercial vessels.
The European Union has intensified pressure on Russian vessels by expanding sanctions against hundreds of ships and detaining some vessels and their crews for inspection. Some European countries are also considering tougher measures against ships suspected of violating sanctions.
Russia’s state news agency TASS quoted Putin as describing the actions as “piracy and banditry.” He warned that Russia would retaliate if European countries proceeded with seizing Russian vessels.
Putin also said any Russian retaliation would not necessarily be limited to the waters where Russian ships were seized, but could take place “wherever” Russia considers necessary and appropriate.
TASS further reported that Putin accused NATO of expanding its activities into the Asia-Pacific region and increasing tensions in the Arctic. He said NATO was establishing military and political structures in the region and deploying or planning to deploy weapons that Russia considers a threat.
