Moscow, Aug. 12 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin warned on Wednesday that Moscow would respond "in kind" if European nations confiscate Russian merchant ships, amidst escalating pressure from the European Union targeting the nation's so-called shadow fleet.

According to a report by Russia's state-run TASS news agency, Putin asserted that any impounding of Russian vessels would constitute "piracy and banditry".

"And if this is actually put into practice, we will be forced to respond in kind," Putin was quoted as saying.

The Russian president further cautioned that any retaliatory action by Moscow would not be restricted exclusively to the maritime zones where Russian vessels might be detained.

"It will happen wherever we deem it nec...