Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to retaliate against European Union countries if they move forward with plans to seize Russian commercial vessels, accusing European governments of engaging in “piracy and robbery.”
Speaking Wednesday during a visit to Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk in Russia’s Sakhalin region, Putin said Moscow would respond if the proposed measures were implemented.
“If this begins to be implemented in practice, we will be forced to respond in the same way,” Putin said.
According to the Russian president, several EU countries are seeking to restrict the movement of Russian commercial vessels in what he described as a violation of international maritime law.
Putin also claimed that Moscow is aware of plans to seize and sell assets belonging to the vessels.
The Russian president warned that any retaliation would not necessarily be limited to the areas where seizures might take place.
“Wherever we consider it necessary and appropriate,” Putin said, referring to potential Russian measures, including in the Pacific region.
The remarks mark another escalation in tensions between Moscow and European governments, as the EU continues to consider measures targeting Russian assets and maritime activities in response to Russia’s war against Ukraine.
