Putin Opens New Front in Shadow Fleet Fight With Threat to Seize EU Ships

AI Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to seize European ships in response to EU actions against Russia's shadow oil fleet, signaling potential Russian interference with commercial shipping. This escalation follows intensified European efforts to curb Moscow’s crude oil exports via maritime routes.

Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened Wednesday to seize European ships in retaliation for EU action against Russia’s shadow oil fleet, opening the possibility of direct Russian interference with commercial shipping as Europe steps up efforts to disrupt Moscow’s crude exports, RFE/RL reported.  President Vladimir Putin said Wednesday that Moscow would “respond in kind” if European countries begin confiscating Russian ships or selling cargo taken from detained vessels, and warned that Russian retaliation would…