Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to seize ships belonging to European nations in retaliation for what he described as piracy and theft, warning that Moscow would respond symmetrically in any sea it deems necessary. Speaking aboard the Pacific Fleet flagship Varyag during naval exercises in Russia's Far East, Putin condemned European plans to intercept Russian merchant vessels.
The remarks follow new European Union sanctions adopted last month allowing member states to sell oil or cargo seized from ships violating sanctions against Russia. Putin accused the bloc of restricting Russian vessel movement in violation of international maritime law.
The dispute has already produced concrete action: Swedish court documents from earlier this month showed Sweden will transfer a seized Russian ship to Ukraine. The vessel, which appears on Ukraine's sanctions list, was reportedly involved in transporting stolen Ukrainian grain.