MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday that Moscow would respond “in kind” if European nations confiscate Russian merchant ships, amidst escalating pressure from the European Union targeting the nation’s so-called shadow fleet.According to a report by Russia’s state-run TASS news agency, Putin asserted that any impounding of Russian vessels would constitute “piracy and banditry”.“And if this is actually put into practice, we will be forced to respond in kind,” Putin was quoted as saying.The Russian president further cautioned that any retaliatory action by Moscow would not be restricted exclusively to the maritime zones where Russian vessels might be detained.“It will happen wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,” TASS quoted the Russian president as saying.These remarks follow intensified efforts by the EU aimed at curbing Russia’s shadow fleet, a designation applied to ships suspected of facilitating the circumvention of Western sanctions, including restrictions imposed on crude oil exports.The European bloc has broadened its sanctions regime to encompass hundreds of vessels, with certain European states detaining ships and crews for inspection. Additionally, several governments have signalled that they are deliberating stricter maritime enforcement protocols against ships suspected of evading sanctions.Putin delivered the statements during a visit to Sakhalin Island in Russia’s Far East, where he was reviewing military drills.In his address, he also charged NATO with expanding its footprint across the Asia-Pacific territory and escalating friction in the Arctic.“NATO is making inroads into the region, new military-political blocs are being formed, and new weapons systems that pose a threat to Russia are being deployed or are slated for deployment,” TASS quoted Putin as saying.The recent warning further heightens friction between Moscow and European capitals regarding the enforcement of sanctions and the interception of Russian shipping channels.
