Russian President Vladimir Putin labeled the attacks on Russian tanker ships located in the Black Sea by Ukraine as 'piracy'. Moreover, Putin sent a stern warning to Europe, stating, 'We do not seek war, but if Europe wants to wage war with us, we are prepared.'
Criticizing Ukraine's assaults on tankers in the Black Sea, Putin stated, 'Attacks on tankers become piracy when they are carried out not in international waters, but in the exclusive economic zone of another, third state.'
Putin, highlighting that Russia will respond to these attacks, elaborated, 'Russia will expand its attacks on Ukrainian ports and the ships entering these ports in retaliation to the assaults on tankers. If these attacks persist, we will consider the possibility of retaliatory measures against the ships of the countries assisting Ukraine in carrying out these piracy operations.'
'We do not seek war, but if Europe is itching for a fight, we are ready,' declared Putin, 'It's impossible for Russia to accept Europe's demands. Their goal is not peace, they are on the side of war,' he asserted.