Putin warns Russia will retaliate against any seizure of its commercial ships

Russian President Vladimir Putin said any attempt to seize Russian commercial vessels would trigger retaliation, including in waters such as the Pacific Ocean. He accused NATO of expanding its influence into the Asia-Pacific region and of increasing tensions in the Arctic. Putin made the remarks while visiting South Sakhalin to observe the final phase of a naval exercise staged off Sakhalin Island, Russia's easternmost landmass. He watched the drills from the Pacific Fleet missile cruiser Varyag. The statement, delivered on the last day of the exercise, signaled Moscow's posture toward potential interference with Russian maritime assets. No further details on specific threats or planned responses were immediately available.