Putin Warns of Retaliation over Russian Ship Detentions

Russia will retaliate if European countries begin seizing Russian merchant vessels, President Vladimir Putin warned, describing such actions as "piracy and banditry", according to the state news agency TASS.

Putin said any response would not necessarily be confined to the waters where Russian ships were detained but could take place wherever Moscow considered appropriate.

He made the remarks during a visit to Sakhalin Island, where he is observing military exercises. Putin also accused NATO of expanding its presence in the Asia-Pacific region and escalating tensions in the Arctic.

The comments come as the European Union steps up pressure on Russia's so-called shadow fleet, which is used to transport oil in circumvention of Western sanctions. The EU has expanded sanctions to cover hundreds of vessels, while several European countries have detained ships for inspection and are considering tougher enforcement measures.

(Reuters, bak)