Putin warns Europe: Russia will seize vessels ‘wherever necessary’ | News. az
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European vessels if European countries move ahead with plans to confiscate ships carrying Russian cargo, raising the prospect of a new maritime. . .
Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European vessels if European countries move ahead with plans to confiscate ships carrying Russian cargo, raising the prospect of a new maritime confrontation between Moscow and Europe. Putin issued the warning on Wednesday while aboard a Russian cruiser off the Pacific island of Sakhalin, where Russia’s navy was conducting military exercises,Al Jazeerareported. He said Moscow would respond to any seizure of Russian vessels “wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,” according to Russian state media. RECOMMENDED STORIESSolar eclipse August 12: When and where can you see it?German inflation accelerates as energy prices jump in JulyKobakhidze accuses ‘Deep State’ of artificially fuelling Russophobia in GeorgiaTbilisi mayor rejects ‘lies’ about Georgia’s treatment of Russian touristsThe threat comes after several European countries intercepted ships suspected of belonging to Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet”, a network of vessels accused of helping Moscow transport Russian oil despite Western sanctions. NewEuropean Unionsanctions adopted last month allow member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from such vessels. Putin accused European countries of attempting to restrict the movement of Russian commercial vessels and said some had discussed confiscating Russian ships and selling their cargo. “If these plans are put into practice, we will have to respond in kind,” Putin said, describing the proposed seizures as “piracy and robbery. ”He added that Russia’s Defence Ministry and Pacific Fleet had already received instructions related to a potential response. The comments come as tensions between Russia and European countries remain high over Moscow’s war in Ukraine and the enforcement of sanctions against Russian energy exports. The dispute over shipping has added another potential flashpoint, particularly as European governments step up efforts to prevent Russia from using the shadow fleet to circumvent restrictions on its oil trade. Putin also accused NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and contributing to growing military tensions 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,” he said. Russia’s naval exercises in the western Pacific are taking place just days before the United States and South Korea are scheduled to begin joint military drills. The exercises come amid growing concerns over deepening military cooperation between Russia and North Korea. Ukraine has accused Moscow of using North Korean missiles in attacks on Ukrainian territory, while President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has warned that Russia is receiving additional ballistic missiles and troops from Pyongyang. North Korea has already provided Russia with large quantities of weapons and thousands of troops to support Moscow’s war in Ukraine. Putin’s latest warning suggests that the consequences of European efforts to disrupt Russia’s shadow fleet could extend beyond sanctions and into direct confrontation at sea. News. AzBy Aysel Mammadzada