+ ↺ − 16 pxRussian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European vessels if European countries move ahead with plans to confiscate ships carrying Russian cargo, raising the prospect of a new maritime confrontation between Moscow and Europe. He said Moscow would respond to any seizure of Russian vessels “wherever we deem it necessary and appropriate,” according to Russian state media. New European Union sanctions adopted last month allow member states to sell oil and other cargo seized from such vessels. Putin accused European countries of attempting to restrict the movement of Russian commercial vessels and said some had discussed confiscating Russian ships and selling their cargo. The comments come as tensions between Russia and European countries remain high over Moscow’s war in Ukraine and the enforcement of sanctions against Russian energy exports.