Putin warns of tit-for-tat seizures of European vessels

If European states seize vessels with Russian cargo, Moscow will respond in kind ‘wherever necessary’, says Putin.Published On 12 Aug 202612 Aug 2026Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European vessels if European states follow through on plans to seize more commercial ships with Russian cargo.Putin delivered the warning on Wednesday while on board a Russian cruiser off the Pacific island of Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting a drill. He said Russia would be ready to carry out its own seizures “wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,” according to Russia’s TASS news agency.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3‘New level of danger’: Drone incidents scare Europe amid Russia-Ukraine warlist 2 of 3Ukraine’s new military chief pledges to escalate retaliation against Russialist 3 of 3How US Senate Russia sanctions could spell 100% tariffs for India, Chinaend of listThe statement comes after several European countries intercepted ships suspected of being part of Moscow’s so-called “shadow fleet”, carrying Russian oil in contravention of European sanctions.New sanctions passed last month permit European Union members to sell the oil or any ot...