Pakistan, Aug. 12 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened retaliatory action against European countries over seized Russian ships. He issued the warning on Wednesday during Russian naval exercises in the Far East. Putin said Moscow could seize European vessels in response to European plans involving confiscated Russian cargo. The warning marks another escalation in tensions between Russia and European countries over sanctions.

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Several European companies have intercepted ships carrying Russian oil in violation of European sanctions. The measures target Russian energy revenues, which remain an important source of income for Moscow. New sanctions approved last mon...