Putin threatens retaliation after Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels

Mr. Putin added that the Russian response wouldn't necessarily come in the waters where the Russian ships were seized, noting that Moscow could retaliate “in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate,” including in the Pacific

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation over the West’s seizure of commercial vessels. Speaking aboard a Russian warship, Putin described the measures targeting Russia as an act of piracy and robbery. France 24 International Affairs editor Philip Turle shares further insights.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels, describing them as “piracy.” Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law. “It’s nothing but piracy and robbery,” Putin said. “If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind.” He added that the Russian response...

MOSCOW — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels , describing them as “piracy.” Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law. “It’s nothing but piracy and robbery,” Putin said. “If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind.” He added that the Russian response wouldn't necessarily come in the waters where the Russian ships were seized, noting that Moscow could retaliate “in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate,” including in the Pacific. The Pacific Fleet chief, Adm. Viktor Liina, reported to Putin that the navy was ready to start inspections of the commercial ships serving the “unfriendly nations.” He noted that many of the ships operated by British, French and other European carriers fly the flags of other nations, effectively making them a “shadow fleet.” “We have enough assets for inspection and

Vladimir Putin warns that Russia will respond in kind if Western countries start to seize Russian ‌merchant vessels, acts he brands "piracy and robbery".

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation against Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels, calling them "piracy."

MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels, describing them as “piracy.”