'Will respond in kind': Putin's warning to Europe over seizure of Russian ships

Putin stated that Moscow will be "forced to respond in kind" if any other attacks occur, stating that European ships will be seized.

Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday issued a warning to European countries over the alleged seizures of Russian ships and other vessels.

Russia's President Vladimir Putin visits the Russian Navy's guided missile cruiser Varyag as he oversees the final stage of a Pacific Fleet's naval drills on far eastern Sakhalin Island (AFP)

Putin stated that Moscow will be "forced to respond in kind" if any other attacks occur, stating that European ships will be seized.

This warning from the Russian president comes amid European plans to intercept and seize Russian vessels suspected of being part of Moscow's "shadow fleet".

As per an AFP report, several European companies have intercepted ships carrying Russian oil after fresh EU sanctions targeted the revenue source.

Russian agency TASS further citied Putin as saying that Europe's seizure of the ships were nothing short of "piracy."

"Of course, this is nothing short of piracy and banditry. And if this is actually put into practice, we will be forced to respond in kind," he said.

The Russian president also hit out at NATO and stated that the US-led bloc was making inroads into the Asia-Pacific and Arctic regions.

Putin's remarks came during his observation of military exercises in the far eastern island of Sakhalin.

The warning also comes ahead of joint military drills between the United States and South Korea, which are designed to simulate a possible invasion from North Korea.

Tensions remain high in the region amid accusations from Ukraine and Seoul that North Korea and Russia are further intensifying their military cooperation.