Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that Russia will respond if Western countries seize Russian commercial vessels, saying Moscow will take action wherever it considers necessary and appropriate.
According to Russian state media, Putin made the remarks while reviewing naval military exercises on Sakhalin Island. He said several countries were attempting to restrict the movement of Russian vessels, while NATO was increasing its involvement in the Asia-Pacific region and tensions were also rising in the Arctic.
Putin described attempts by European Union countries to seize Russian commercial ships as “piracy”, warning that Russia would respond to such actions.
The latest remarks come amid continuing tensions between Russia and Western countries and could further escalate concerns over maritime confrontations and restrictions involving Russian vessels.
