Russian President Vladimir PutinVladimir Putin on Wednesday has stoked tension with the West by threatening retaliation for Western seizures of Russian commercial vessels, branding the moves as "piracy and robbery." He noted many vessels run by British, French and other European carriers fly foreign flags, creating a "shadow fleet." "We have enough assets for inspection and detention of vessels of the unfriendly nations and their shadow fleet," Liina said. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT Russia is believed to operate hundreds of ships to dodge sanctions imposed after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Article continues below ADVERTISEMENT