Russian President Vladimir Putin threatened to retaliate for the seizure of commercial vessels from Western countries, calling such actions "piracy." Putin called the seizures "nothing but piracy and robbery," adding that "if this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind." He went on to say that Moscow's potential response may not take place with in the same waters where Russian vessels were seized, but in "any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate." Another recent report claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin is considering a limited assault on a NATO country to test the alliance. The likelihood of it happening is low but grows as time goes by and Putin does not manage to make strategic gains in the war.