MOSCOW, March 26 (Reuters) - Britain's plan to detain Russian vessels is hostile, and Moscow will respond with political, legal and "asymmetric" measures, the Russian embassy in the United Kingdom
Russia Vows Response to UK Detention of Russian Vessels, Labels Action Hostile
UK Detention of Russian Vessels Sparks Strong Reaction from Moscow
Background of the UK’s Actions
MOSCOW, March 26 (Reuters) - Britain's plan to detain Russian vessels is hostile, and Moscow will respond with political, legal and "asymmetric" measures, the Russian embassy in the United Kingdom said in a statement quoted by the state‑run TASS news agency.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said earlier he had authorised the military to board and detain Russian ships in British waters to disrupt a network of vessels that his government says enables Moscow to export oil despite Western sanctions.
Russian Government’s Response
Official Statement from the Russian Embassy
The Russian statement said Starmer's announcement was "yet another deeply hostile step directed at Russia".
Concerns Over Maritime Security
"Reckless statements about the intention to attack Russian merchant ships directly show an aspiration to escalate an already tense situation in the field of security and international trade," it said.
Potential Consequences and Retaliatory Measures
"Such actions have consequences. Navigation becomes unsafe in British waters, where any vessel may be subject to piratical seizure. Russia will use all political, legal, and other tools at our disposal, including asymmetric ones, to protect our interests."
Broader European Efforts and Context
Other European nations have also stepped up efforts to disrupt the so-called shadow fleet of tankers used by Moscow to fund its four-year war against Ukraine.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Maxim Rodionov and Ron Popeski; editing by Philippa Fletcher)
