MOSCOW, Aug. 14 -- Russian President Vladimir Putin has threatened to seize European ships in response to new European measures. He made the warning while overseeing naval exercises in Russia's Far East. Moscow objects to European plans involving cargo seized from Russian "shadow fleet" vessels. Putin described the actions as piracy and banditry. He warned that Russia would respond to such measures.

Read More: Putin warns of retaliation over seized ships

Several European companies have intercepted vessels carrying Russian oil. The ships allegedly violated European sanctions targeting Russia's important oil revenues. New sanctions approved last month allow European Union members to sell seized oil and other cargo. Russia has strongly opp...