Putin vows retaliatory action against European ships

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European ships in retaliation for plans to sell off cargo confiscated from Russia’s “shadow fleet” vessels, according to Punch Newspapers.

Speaking during naval drills in Russia’s Far East, Putin called the seizures “piracy and banditry” and vowed Moscow “will be forced to respond in kind.” New EU sanctions passed last month allow member states to sell oil or cargo seized from ships violating sanctions on Russian oil.

Sweden is reportedly preparing to transfer a seized Russian vessel to Ukraine, further escalating tensions between Moscow and European nations.