Putin Threatens Retaliation Over Western Seizures of Russian Commercial Vessels

Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliation against Western nations for seizing Russian commercial vessels, calling it 'piracy and robbery.'

Putin made this statement during a visit to a Russian warship taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific. He said that if these seizures continue, Russia would be forced to respond in kind.

The Russian President noted that Moscow could retaliate not only in the waters where the vessels were seized but also 'in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate.'