Putin threatens tit-for-tat seizure of European vessels

What we know

• Putin stated that Moscow would respond in kind to Europe seizing Russian merchant ships. 5
• Putin specifically warned of tit-for-tat seizures of European vessels. 6
• The UK publicly defended its seizure of a shadow fleet tanker in direct response to Putin's threat. 8
• Turkey separately called for a moratorium on Russian and Ukrainian attacks on vessels in the Black Sea. 1 2
• Moldova offered a rail alternative for Ukrainian food exports as Russia's actions choked Black Sea trade. 7
• Background reporting noted Europe's dependency on workarounds as Russia's shadow fleet had previously forced shipping route changes. 3