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[INTERNATIONAL] · Russia, EU, Sweden, United States, South Korea · 25 sources

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Putin threatens seizure of European ships in retaliation for shadow fleet sanctions FAST-MOVING

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European commercial vessels in retaliation for Western efforts to intercept and sell cargo from Russia’s so-called ‘shadow fleet.’ Speaking from the cruiser Varyag near Sakhalin Island during Pacific Fleet naval exercises, Putin characterized the seizure and sale of Russian assets by EU member states as ‘piracy and banditry.’

He warned that any such actions would be met with reciprocal measures, noting that retaliation would not be limited to the specific waters where seizures occur but could happen ‘wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,’ including the Pacific Ocean. This escalation follows recent EU sanctions that allow member states to confiscate and sell crude oil and other goods from vessels suspected of evading sanctions.

Additionally, Putin accused NATO of increasing military-political presence and tension in both the Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions. While addressing regional tensions, he noted that Russia maintains no territorial claims against Japan and remains open to Arctic cooperation under international maritime law, despite Japan recently labeling Russia a primary threat in its military doctrine.

Entities

European Union · Japan · NATO · Russian Navy · Russian Pacific Fleet · Sakhalin · Vladimir Putin

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about 2 hours ago