Key facts
- Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened a 'piracy' response to the seizure of Russian merchant ships.
- Putin stated that Moscow's response could extend beyond seized waters.
- The threat is aimed at European actions against Russia's shadow oil fleet.
- Putin described potential seizures of Russian ships as 'piracy'.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has issued a strong warning against the potential seizure of Russian merchant ships by European countries. Putin characterized such actions as 'piracy' and vowed that Russia's response would be severe, potentially extending beyond the immediate vicinity of any seized vessels. The threat is directed at European nations considering measures against Russia's 'shadow oil fleet,' a network of tankers used to circumvent Western sanctions on Russian oil exports. Putin's remarks suggest a significant escalation in rhetoric and a potential for retaliatory actions that could impact global shipping and international relations.